Chrome, Java, and low expectations

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I received an email to day, from a reliable site, which stated

“Please do not update your Chrome browser – it will break Java!

If you already have the newest version of Google’s Chrome, we suggest switching to a different browser e.g. Internet Explorer of Firefox browser.

With Chrome’s latest Apr 14, 2015 update, it will no longer run Java by default. ”

If it is true, and I’m sure it is, why am I not surprised. One of the reasons we read this site is the service it provides about the monthly windows updates. At least with Microsoft we get the opportunity to delay or even refuse an update. With Google we get no such opportunity. Chrome updates without us even knowing. I used to really like Chrome but now it is purely an over bloated piece of advertising software that has lost most of its relevance. Normally at least the first 5 searches are adverts.

It is no longer able to download from the UK Registrar of Companies and I have to use IE to download email attachments.

Trying to get support is next to impossible. Go on the support forum and you find a great deal of out of date suggestions that (a) don’t work and (b) refer to 15 versions ago.

Don’t even get me started about Android 5/Chrome for Android which has totally disabled my Nexus 7.

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You can still re-enable Java (and Silverlight) plugins in Chrome 42 after entering chrome://flags/#enable-npapi in the address bar, but only until September:

Chrome 42 blocks Java, Silverlight, other plugins by default now

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You are missing my point slighty. Whether I can run or not run Java is of not much consequence to me. What I objecting to is the arrogance of Google to do so with saying so.

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You are missing my point slighty. … What I object to is the arrogance of Google to do so with saying so.

I’m no fan of Google. (I would avoid Chrome altogether, but have to support hundreds of users who were persuaded to use Chrome, even though Chrome kills laptop batteries.)

But Google did announce this change 19 months ago; Saying Goodbye to Our Old Friend NPAPI

And again 5 months ago; The Final Countdown for NPAPI

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dd_uk,

I guess when you’re giving something away for free you can pretty much do as you please. :cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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As a retired geek you should know nothing is given away for free.

Google/Chrome users ‘pay’ for the software by being bombarded with advertising.

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I use Google a lot and can’t say I get bombarded with ads. Neither do I when using Chrome (though that’s not often as FF is my browser of choice).

But wasn’t that what RG was saying – it’s free so they do what they like?

BTW RG, I Googled Retired Geek just to do a test and top of the pile is https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fretiredgeek.net%2F&ei=iicwVb6gEo7caofSgcAB&usg=AFQjCNGjZnrR96MW65QHaemkppsJmlof7Q. Do you know him?

Eliminate spare time: start programming PowerShell

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BTW RG, I Googled Retired Geek just to do a test and top of the pile is https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fretiredgeek.net%2F&ei=iicwVb6gEo7caofSgcAB&usg=AFQjCNGjZnrR96MW65QHaemkppsJmlof7Q. Do you know him?

Access,

Can’t say that I do. :cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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I’m running the latest 64 bit version of Chrome and all my Java sites stiil work.

Jerry

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Oops, spoke too soon. Just tried a Java site and it no longer runs.

Jerry

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Adblock extension for Chrome removes most of the unwanted ads. Also, remember that enabling a bunch of extensions for Chrome (or Firefox or IE) will slow down your browsing and page loading. Chrome led the way for a while and their move away from Java may in the long run be a good thing. If it’s a problem right now just go back to Internet Exploder!

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Indeed Adblock cures most of the advert annoyance in Chrome.

But just you wait until you get the new Bookmarks (“Stars”). If the Java thing drives you wild, Stars will completely blow you away with its arrogant awfulness.

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But just you wait until you get the new Bookmarks (“Stars”). If the Java thing drives you wild, Stars will completely blow you away with its arrogant awfulness.

I certainly agree with that, I hate it already.

Don't take yourself so seriously, no one else does
All W10 Pro at 22H2,(2 Desktops, 1 Laptop).

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You can apparently revert quite easily if you wish: Restore old / pre-42 Chrome Bookmarks manager

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You can apparently revert quite easily if you wish: Restore old / pre-42 Chrome Bookmarks manager

Thanks Bruce. I turned off 2 items concerning “Enhanced Bookmarks” as you will see from photo. Now it’s back to the style I’m accustomed to.
40375-Chrome-bookmark-app2

Don't take yourself so seriously, no one else does
All W10 Pro at 22H2,(2 Desktops, 1 Laptop).

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Automatic updates bringing these new, unexpected features are a creation of a company that shows little respect for its users. Announcing this on a blog only a tiny minority of their users read, is simply stupid.

Unfortunately, Chrome is still the least bad browser available, IMO. Hopefully Spartan will change it, but I am not holding my breath, given how Microsoft managed to make IE, by far, the least reliable browser one can choose to use.

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…Unfortunately, Chrome is still the least bad browser available…

Sorry, have to disagree. Have used IE since Win95 and have had few problems, certainly fewer problems than with Netscape Navigator and later browsers from that, or other, sources.

Am certainly NOT impressed by Google Chrome.

I have found later versions of IE very dependable, especially IE9 and later. Currently have IE11 w/ Win7 64bit, and have no problems browsing.

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Couldn’t agree more about Google’s arrogance and pathetic ‘support’ forums.

I was called out yesterday to a customer who said his BT Sport (subscription live sports) had stopped working. When I tried a login, Chrome was reporting it no longer supported Silverlight. I also noticed the crazy new ‘add bookmark’ pop-up – absolutely ridiculous. So I swapped him over to Firefox and returned the smile to his face.

That’s Google Chrome done for me – and I’m going to make a recommendation to all my customers that they also ditch it.

‘Don’t be evil’ – yeh, right! Pity their slogan is not ‘Don’t be arrogant’.

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Couldn’t agree more about Google’s arrogance and pathetic ‘support’ forums.

I was called out yesterday to a customer who said his BT Sport (subscription live sports) had stopped working. When I tried a login, Chrome was reporting it no longer supported Silverlight. I also noticed the crazy new ‘add bookmark’ pop-up – absolutely ridiculous. So I swapped him over to Firefox and returned the smile to his face.

That’s Google Chrome done for me – and I’m going to make a recommendation to all my customers that they also ditch it.

‘Don’t be evil’ – yeh, right! Pity their slogan is not ‘Don’t be arrogant’.

As explained here, you can enable Silverlight support for Chrome. However I do agree Google is arrogant, particularly with everything that’s related to Windows operating systems.

It’s been long since their slogan had any truthfulness to it. I am hoping the EU will trim down their arrogance as they did with Microsoft.

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Sorry, have to disagree. Have used IE since Win95 and have had few problems, certainly fewer problems than with Netscape Navigator and later browsers from that, or other, sources.

Am certainly NOT impressed by Google Chrome.

I have found later versions of IE very dependable, especially IE9 and later. Currently have IE11 w/ Win7 64bit, and have no problems browsing.

Well, I was an IE user for ages… IE just got unbearable – memory issues, stability, worst of the main browsers implementing standards, which is quite relevant for me as I do web development. I moved when I couldn’t bear IE any more.

It’s also telling that IE is going to be dumped by Microsoft. Could it be more clear?

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