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Sun Slips Firefox Extension Into Java Update

Posted by timothy on from the we-thought-you-wanted-it dept.

pcardno writes "It seems it's not just Microsoft that have spotted a good opportunity to distribute their software through Firefox Addons. On installing the latest annoying, sysbar bubble based Java update, my Firefox informed me that I had a wonderful new Java addon automatically. Here's the addon screenshot. Yes, I could opt out of it, but why are Sun installing Addons to my Firefox without me making specific choices in the application itself? To be clear — I have never chosen to install this Addon, yet it has been installed without my permission with the latest Java Update."

4 of 311 comments (clear)

  1. Stop this right now by AlterRNow · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Could Firefox add some sort of public/private key extensions signing so I can sign extensions I want to use? Then unsigned extensions wouldn't be loaded and this sort of thing could be stopped ( by the technical minded anyway ).

    --
    The disappearing pencil trick. Let me show you it.
  2. Re:Obviously this is something you need.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Look a lot of apps have agents that load on startup so that when you want them the visual startup time is much shorter, because it has been differed to when the system started up.

    Over the history of Java people have complained about how long the JVM startup time is. While Sun has made many improvements in this over the years, the FF add-on just assists this even more. When you launch FF and this add-on is enabled it initializes the JVM and the applet sub-system.

    This way if you go to a site that has an applet on it, it will appear and be function much more quickly.

  3. Re:Unlike Microsoft, this one benign and documente by KiloByte · · Score: 3, Interesting

    It preloads all the bloatness of Java, every single time, even if you installed it just for a single page you visited half a year ago.

    --
    The creatures outside looked from Alt-Right to Antifa; but already it was impossible to say which was which.
  4. I don't see the problem. by argent · · Score: 3, Interesting

    There's lots of software that installs browser addons automatically, without even asking you. That's been normal and expected behavior for a decade, it's long since past time to raise Caine over this one.

    I think Sun should be accoladed for giving you the option to opt out.

    Ever try to install Acrobat without getting the browser plugin? You have to rummage around in the Acrobat directory and remove the plugin component or else EVERY TIME you run Acrobat the plugin will be reinstalled.