Java security info

Changes in security for running Java applets

With the most recent versions of Java, security has changed a bit. In attempting to run certain applets (like this one) your Java plug-in may block the applet from running. Here are a couple of ideas that may allow you to run this and other applets (note: this Java security-fix will depend on your computer type, operating system, etc.).

For PCs running Windows, from the Start menu (bottom left corner Windows symbol), select Control Panel, then select Java. Alternatively, from the Start menu, in the Search programs and files field, type in "Java" and select the Configure Java item. In the Java Control Panel, select the Security tab. There two possibilities on how to allow a particular applet to run. You can either (1) choose to allow that particular applet or (2) adjust your security settings to allow any applet to run.

  1. To allow a particular applet (or, more precisely, to allow applets from a particular domain) to run, you can add the domain to your Exception Site List (still under the Security tab of the Java Control Panel). To do this, you can click the Edit Site List... button. Click the Add button, then type in the domain (such as http://seaver-faculty.pepperdine.edu/dstrong/Java), then click Add again, then OK.
  2. To choose to run any applet (which would occur only after being asked whether or not you actually want to run the applet) you can simply lower your security settings (still under the Security tab of the Java Control Panel) by choosing the Medium Security Level, and clicking the OK button.
For Macs, the instructions are similiar. You'll want to get to the Security tab of the Java Control Window by either (1) selecting System Preferences from the Apple Menu (top left of your screen) and then selecting Java or (2) by clicking the System Preferences from the many buttons (bottom of your screen) and then selecting Java. (You may need to click on the Show All button if you don't see the Java option.) You can then add a particular website/domain or else change your overall level of security as described starting with "In the Java Control Panel..." a couple of paragraphs above.

You will likely need to completely close your browser (all windows--not just the one window with the applet in it) for this security change to be complete. You may need to restart your machine.

As this change in Java security is a new issue, I'm still trying to figure out how different computers with different operating systems must be modified to allow for the running of unsigned applets. Ideally, all unsigned applets are updated to be signed applets, but this will take a while.

If you are stilling getting a message stating that your Java security settings are not allowing this applet to be run, contact me and I'll try to help you fix things--perhaps you computer and/or operating system requires a change different from what is listed above and your experience will lead to additional instructions being listed here.