Java Alternative Changed

Support & Help Requests
1

I am not sure when it happened, but I noticed today my Java was switched from java-8-oracle to java-1.8.0-openjdk-amd64. Was there an intentional reason for this change?

Also, using command

~$ sudo update-alternatives --config java
[sudo] password for : 
There are 2 choices for the alternative java (providing /usr/bin/java).

  Selection    Path                                            Priority   Status
------------------------------------------------------------
  0            /usr/lib/jvm/java-8-oracle/jre/bin/java          1081      auto mode
  1            /usr/lib/jvm/java-8-openjdk-amd64/jre/bin/java   1081      manual mode
* 2            /usr/lib/jvm/java-8-oracle/jre/bin/java          1081      manual mode

Press <enter> to keep the current choice[*], or type selection number: 
~$ java -version
java version "1.8.0_151"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_151-b12)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.151-b12, mixed mode)
~$

So I am further confused. How can I get Oracle Java working again in preferably FF, but willing to go to Chrome if necessary?

2

Can someone at least advise me if my Java is installed correctly?

3

Ouch!

Firefox newer than version 52 wont run the java plug-in.

And Oracle will discontinue the Java plug-in with version 9.

https://blogs.oracle.com/java-platform-group/moving-to-a-plugin-free-web

Unfortunately, this breaks a great many things:( Some print servers and wireless routers have Java enabled web interfaces that no longer work.

ARGH!

4

I am still confused. My bank requires Java. All was working well up until August this year, well after v52. The error message is my Java is outdated. I see my Java version is 1.8.0_151. After looking at the Oracle page, this number may indicate I have Oracle Java enabled. No one here has confirmed for me yet. I also noticed on the Oracle site in mid October a version 152 was released. However, ppa:webupd8team/java has not updated to this version yet. I am suspecting that this is my problem.

5

The only version of Firefox that officially supports Java is 52. The support was removed in a later version – 55 or so I think. No current Linux browser supports Java.

You probably should install Firefox-ESR (which is just version 52) to get Java but be aware that Java in a web browser is EOL.

You Java installation seems correct. You just need an older web browser.

1 Like
6

Thanks Dave. What I come to find is the site I was going to checked for java but does not use java. Go figure. I ended up finding an alternative URL (that did not check for java) to accomplish the same objective.