Sun Microsystems, maker of the Java Runtime Environment, released 11 patches for the Windows and Linux versions of JRE and Java Web Start.  Sun does not rate its fixes for importance, but other researchers have labelled some of them as highly critical.

Java is a programming language that provides interactivity and functionality to web sites.  Most computers have it.  Java Web Start is a program that launches Java-based applications right from a browser.

Attackers could use the latest flaws in a variety of ways, including possibly getting around your firewall, revealing sensitive information and suppressing Java warnings.

There is no automatic update feature in Java, so go here now to update your PC:  http://www.java.com/en/ 

There was no update for the Mac operating system.  Apple is supposed to provide Java patches as part of its own security updates.  The last Apple Java update was way back in February.  Until Apple issues a new update, Mac users should be careful on the web, and keep your security programs up to date, as always.

Syd Tash is a noted computer security consultant and author of How to Protect Your Computer Online.  He has been keeping Internet surfers safe and secure since the last century.  Find out how he does it; protect your own computer with five layers of protection right here:  => http://mypcsecuritysite.com/

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