Something else to consider. The auto installer will be fine, but for those of you installing manually, most of you will need the 32bit version of Java, even if your machine is x64 as most browsers are 32 bit code base. If you do use a 64bit version of the browser for some reason, then download the x64 version of the Java plugin.
Also, Version 8 of Java has been available since March time (although not on the auto updater yet, that will be later this year.) If you want to use Java 8 Update 11 (which is the current version) contains an option not to install sponsors programs by default, so no more Ask toolbar
I've never had any problems with Java on my Win XP machine...But you do have to watch out for that little box to UNTICK to avoid it putting something else in. If you do forget then you can go the usual Control Panel route and UNinstall the offending extra.
For keeping internet caches, cookies, start up and the registry in order I like CCleaner and can't recommend it enough. The price is right too. It is one of those programs that will check for updates (if you don't unckeck the box), but in this case I let it.
Ben & Peter,
I don't know where you're getting your Java from, but the official installer has never attempted to install any third party software. If you find it doing so you either have a doctored copy or the software that needs it and installs it has added the third party stuff.
Paul
It's not a 'bird', it's an aeroplane or an aircraft
Consumer JRE has been packaged with the Ask toolbar ever since Larry Ellison bought Sun Microsystems. Www.java.com IS THE official consumer Java download. Even the Java 8 download, which is currently hosted on the Oracle developer part of the Oracle site (it is released, they're just not pushing it to the masses yet.) also has the Ask toolbar wrapper.
Happy to believe the the marbles had finally cracked, and I'd got so used to unchecking the crapware box on installers that I 'd forgotten I'd done it, I re-installed the original JRE 8, and downloaded and installed JRE 7u65 and neither offered or installed anything other than the chance to change the install path.
Maybe there's some jiggery pokery where the Poms get the wrapper and Aussies don't
I'll go first on this one..... "it's well known that Aussies don't Ask!". Sorry
It's not a 'bird', it's an aeroplane or an aircraft
Just go into control panel, programs, click on the Java icon, advanced, scroll to the bottom and put a check in "suppress sponsor offers when installing or updating Java." Job done
