Apple has released Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 12 for Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, which updates Java SE 6 to version 1.6.0_39 in order to secure systems from vulnerabilities reported in Java 1.6.0_37. If you haven’t installed the Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 9 or any of the subsequent releases, the update configures Web browsers to not automatically run Java and deactivates it after no app activity for an extended time. This update requires Snow Leopard 10.6.8 or Snow Leopard Server 10.6.8. It’s available via Software Update and direct download, and Apple reminds you to quit any Web browsers and Java applications before installing either one. (Free, 72.7 MB)
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Open Files with Finder's App Switcher
Say you're in the Finder looking at a file and you want to open it with an application that's already running but which doesn't own that particular document. How? Switch to that app and choose File > Open? Too many steps. Choose Open With from the file's contextual menu? Takes too long, and the app might not be listed. Drag the file to the Dock and drop it onto the app's icon? The icon might be hard to find; worse, you might miss.
In Leopard there's a new solution: use the Command-Tab switcher. Yes, the Command-Tab switcher accepts drag-and-drop! The gesture required is a bit tricky. Start dragging the file in the Finder: move the file, but don't let up on the mouse button. With your other hand, press Command-Tab to summon the switcher, and don't let up on the Command key. Drag the file onto the application's icon in the switcher and let go of the mouse. (Now you can let go of the Command key too.) Extra tip: If you switch to the app beforehand, its icon in the Command-Tab switcher will be easy to find; it will be first (or second).
Written by
Matt Neuburg
Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 12
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I disabled Java in all of my browsers a couple of weeks ago. Am I better off sticking with that arrangement? Or should I go ahead and download this update? Thanks for your help.
As long as Java is disabled in your browsers, it's probably not super important, though the safest route would be to let Software Update in Snow Leopard install the update if it wants to, and then make sure Java is disabled again.
Thanks very much, Adam.
My Calendar Events all disappeared after I installed update 12.