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Replying To:
Not necessarily insecure...but a big PITA... (none / 0) (#1)
by Anonymous User on Mon Nov 06, 2006 at 09:46:20 AM PDT

I think we should applaud Sun for keeping on top in terms of its updates, not chastise them.

On the other hand, their methods for delivering updates are shoddy and horrible. Much like the OP indicated, Java updates are kind of like reinstalling AOL (shudder): every prior version remains on your hard disk. The only solution is to uninstall prior versions, and install a new one from the ground up, which is ridiculous for enterprise usage (note: it also doesn't work very well in restricted-user environments either).

My current response to this has been to stick with Java 1.4.2.x, which has been stable longer and has far fewer updates. It handles most current Java code, and has not been EOL-ed yet by Sun. Of course, if all of us do that it hurts the spread of Java 1.5 development, but perhaps if enough people did that, it would send a clear message to Sun that they need to make changes.

Rarely does a software developer get security right the first time, there are just too many angles. I agree that Sun's tack on providing updates needs some work. Here's hoping Ed forwards this thread over to Sun.


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