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Sun Includes Microsoft-Like Automatic Updates Clause

Posted by timothy on from the wool-over-your-own-eyes dept.

Neill_Smith writes "Following on from Microsoft forcing automatic updates on their users if they want to stay secure, Sun seems to be trying to be trying something similar. They have given themselves permission to 'automatically download, install, and execute applets, applications, software extensions, and updated versions' in the license agreement (hit download) for the JDK on linux (and possibly other platforms)."

7 of 51 comments (clear)

  1. Duplicity by medeii · · Score: 3, Insightful

    ... so, why isn't this on the front page with the latest Microsoft gaffe? Yeah, so what, mod me down.

    --
    got standards? --- http://www.w3.org/
  2. Re:I like automatic updates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    yes, but wouldn't the option to turn this off (even if its on by default) be nice? so you could opt out of it.

  3. Oh, what a fun day on Slashot! by dnight · · Score: 3, Insightful

    First, I get to deal with HIPAA requirements in Windows platforms, now my Oracle/Sun platforms might be at risk.

    I'll tell you this: the first time Sun manages to auto-install *anything* on any of my enterprise servers without my blessing, Sun will be explaining it to both our General Counsel and law enforcement. I don't believe an EULA will protect you from criminal prosecution.

  4. Re:I like automatic updates by bmetzler · · Score: 3, Insightful
    so you could opt out of it.

    How about just not using software that you don't want to? Isn't that good enough? People feel like they deserve everything their way. Well, it's not true. If you don't like it, then don't use it.

    -Brent
  5. This isn't good by Sandman1971 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Automatic updates are not good in a live server environment. Many shops run software that are only certified for certain versions. Automatically updating any part of the OS or underlying packages like JDK could break the software. Doesn't sound like alot of thought was put into this.

    --
    It's better to burn out than to fade away
  6. Re:I like automatic updates by zangdesign · · Score: 4, Insightful

    you don't have to worry about Sun doing funky stuff to your box.

    I was under the understanding that the best defense is to assume that the other guy is ALWAYS out to get you. This, like many other things, is something that should be left to the user to decide, not forced upon them by fiat. You can't have it both ways.

    Besides, the agreement explicitly gives Sun the right to affect your machine without prior notification. That, in and of itself, is alarming, regardless of the end result. There is no way of knowing whether or not Sun includes malware in the download since you are not allowed to examine it first.

    --
    To celebrate the occasion of my 1000th post, I will post no more forever on Slashdot. Goodbye.
  7. Why Not Ask Them? by Steve+Cox · · Score: 3, Insightful

    For those that are particularly worried about the new clauses in the license, why not simply ask Sun (politely) about them rather than letting the paranoia build up with every reply posted here?

    You could contact your Sun rep, or use the contact method listed in the the legal and licensing FAQ, or even through the Sun JAVA Forums.

    Better to ask first, rather than to jump to incorrect assumptions.

    Steve.