I know very little about how Java works and its interactions with OS X, so I'm partly looking for an expert and simple description on how Java works on the Mac, and why so much press includes "fear, uncertainty, doubt" but no concrete details about how and why Java is not safe..
I want to use the Bitcoin client Multibit, but to do so I will need to install Java which over the past six months I've only heard bad things about.
So my question is: How safe is it for me to install Java on Mac OS X 10.8.3?
(The hidden question inside this question is what version / source of Java I should select if I can depend on Apple to keep Java secure.)
I understand "safeness" is a fairly difficult thing to define, but just some general advice would be greatly appreciated. Even if someone could point me in the direction of some learning materials so I can work this out for myself, that would be great.
Best Answer
Yes, it is safe to install Java on you computer.
To answer your second question, is it safe to use http://multibit.org/ with Java for online transactions, the answer is use Caution as with any money transaction on the web.
The real question is about the Mulibit client as you pointed out. Multibit is not the safest out there so consider using others. Multibit connects directly to the network, and there could be your problem. Means you would have to keep the Multibit up to date, but that is no quarantine either.
http://bitcoinmagazine.com/bitcoin-wallet-options/
...There is also more specific website for this type of question here:
https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/
Just to add my personal advice, I would caution you with such products, unless you are expert in keeping your computer safe.
It is your money!