The capability for enabling Java applets was powered by the Netscape Plugin Application Programming Interface (NPAPI) to run sandboxed Java applications in the browser.

In addition to Java applets, the system was also expected to run even simpler widgets, which it defined as "little application that reside in the Home Application.

A Java update for Mac OS X 10.6 and 10.7 sets Java applets to not run automatically on all browsers, expanding a feature that was first introduced to Safari in April.

Most would agree with Jim Weaver that Java SE 6u10 "is important because it solves the JRE and Java application deployment issues." Too bad the release, scheduled for Thursday, is currently delayed.

Lest you think disabling Java in your browser is too extreme a step, consider that both Apple and Mozilla responded to the latest vulnerability by essentially doing just that.

The second is a change to how OS X handles Java, in which the system will now keep the Java plug-in disabled until it is needed. This will appear for applets if you do not have Java enabled.

“The Java 7u21 release introduces changes to security messages related to running Java applets and applications,” Oracle said in a technical document that explains the changes.

Goodbye Applets: Another Cruddy Piece of Web Tech Is Finally Going Away Say goodbye to Java in the browser—not an insecure moment too soon. Abstract Halftone Background artishokcs ...