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Two Questions: Java-Based Games (Minecraft etc) & Desura

S

StreamsOfInferno

Weaksauce
Joined
Jun 14, 2006
Messages
91
Sort of a weird post... mix of topics.

Been thinking about getting into Minecraft, with all the time to kill before games like Guild Wars 2, Diablo 3, Max Payne 3 etc. are released.

But, I'm a little hesitant, not because of Minecraft itself, but because of Java... which is still considered just one more massive security risk, and can be rather pissy on Win 7 64.

Since so many enthusiasts tend to hate Java for such reasons, all you guys and gals playing things like Mincraft, Project Zomboid, or hell, even Pogo (ha ha) etc. really don't mind having that garbage on your systems?

- Anyone run into any problems/conflicts with Java installed? Either with other games or random apps?

- Also, is there a way to keep Java from running in the background all the time when it's not needed?

I don't think I'd have that much of a problem with Java if there's a way to keep it from always running in the background, and I hate needless things running in the background anyway.

Anyway, I know there's a lot of hardcore PC gamers who are into other genres like FPS, RPGs etc. that also play things like Minecraft, which requires Java, so was just wondering if anyone has ever experienced any issues of any kind, most importantly.

I have a lot of other progs on my system that are important, and I don't want to install Java (JRE) and all of a sudden start having issues on my system.

I have Java installed on my laptop, but my main rig is used for gaming, film/music editing, all kinds of media which is my field of work.

Second issues at-hand: Desura...?

I ask about Desura because there's one or two games on there I'm also contemplating.

Anyone use 'em? Since it's necessary to install their app for certain mods, indie games etc., is it bloatware? Safe? Does it run in the background in any way even when not launched?

- Lastly, if Desura ever goes down and you want to reinstall a game but need to input your Desura key, I'm assuming it would have to "phone home"... would you be screwed if they went down?

I know, this seems like a really weird, random-ass post... but if anyone could pass on some helpful info regarding the more important issues/questions (try not to be snarky, eh?) I'd appreciate it.
 
I heard you can make really great hats from normal aluminium foil. Lots of people prefer to use turkey foil for the structural qualities. But I find the cheap stuff allows more organic flowing forms.

Have no clue about desura, have never used it. I thought it was just some mod management software. As mods really aren't that difficult to place on (if the maker isn't an idiot) I haven't bothered with it, and probably wont ever. Java has never cause me any problems other than when I installed the 64bit into the same directory as the 32 bit by mistake. But all that did was break java. A few minutes manually removing it entirely, then proper installation it was fine.
 
DeathPrincess said:
I heard you can make really great hats from normal aluminium foil. Lots of people prefer to use turkey foil for the structural qualities. But I find the cheap stuff allows more organic flowing forms.
Click to expand...

That about sums it up.
 
Is it really necessary for half the people on these forums to continually be pointlessly sarcastic, as opposed to acting like adults?

My points were valid, as Java has always been known to be a constant source of security issues, and since security IS a major issue, there's nothing wrong with questioning it's integrity at this point. Seriously :rolleyes:

Java has been one of the biggest sources of security problems and system conflicts over the years than almost anything. It's a legit question. I haven't used it since the early days of XP, so how am I to know at this point?

I also asked about Desura for the same reason, as again, it's not a program I've ever used, and we all know that there's never been an app that's contained spyware or malware, right? :rolleyes: Like any DRM out there is always perfectly safe, such as Tages was... and god knows there's never been any app that's been massive bloatware :rolleyes:

Well, simply trying to get information, but I guess these forums are no longer the place to ask?

What is with people here progressively getting more and more into these cliche niches of the whole "tinfoil hat" shit every time someone asks a legitimate fucking question? Or some other judgment? Cant a person simply ask questions without the fucking elitist attitudes continually vomited at others on these forums anymore, or what!? Jesus.

Well, if there are any mature adults around here any more who are willing to throw me some feedback, I'd appreciate it, thanks.
 
The java runtime only runs when you're using a java application (or applet in a browser). A small program that checks for updates runs once a month. This can be disabled if you really want it to for some reason, but it's not recommended.

If you're concerned about security, simply disable java in your browser's security settings.

It is not going to interfere with any non-Java applications.

I don't have any experience with Desura, so I can't help you there, sorry.
 
As mentioned, if you have java disabled in your browser and are only running local java applications, you aren't at any more risk than using programs written in other languages. Don't download and run random suspicious applications, just like anything else, and you'll be fine.

Desura is a well respected program. It is very similar to Steam. If there were a known security risk with Desura, there would have been a vocal outcry by now. As with any program, regardless who makes it, there can always be security holes.

Honestly, you're at a bigger risk browsing a site with ads without a script blocker, or clicking a random legit looking link, than you are using a well known java application.
 
I'm an enthusiast and Linux user, so I'm rather fond of the cross-platform availability of Java programs and Desura.

As others have said, Java doesn't have to be a massive security risk. In fact, the fact that it is sandboxed well can do a lot to prevent security issues. Just leave "pure" Java running and be sure you get the updates (ie vulnerabilitties are fixed swiftly with the updates) but eliminate it from your browser if you're worried, just to run the Local apps.

Desura I feel is great. It has a Linux client too, and supports many games, both AAA and indie, regardless of platform, price, or coding language. When Desura downloads a game, you can go right into the downloads/directory area and just run it direct if you want - its even more "open" than Steam is in this regard. You can have it run if you want when your OS starts, but that's an option you can turn off. You can have the platform off and still browse to your Desura games and run them, even!

Oh, don't forget to look into games on Desura: check out one called "3079" by the way - it has a minecraft aesthetic, but plays like Fallout to a point and is really quite an excellent, enjoyable title. There are also lots of others, like Miner Wars (not a minecraft style, more a Descent-style 6DOF "space" fighter), Kenshi, and Project Zomboid etc... that are in the "Alpha Funding" category where you pay a small amount now, and get all the alphas/betas and released versions of the game.
 
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