If you install, or update, the consumer edition of Java by default then you will find checkboxes enabled by default that install an alternative search provider as well as an extra toolbar into you Web Browser. You will also notice that your default home page has changed. This is very annoying behavior and completely unjustified.
You could uncheck the checkboxes every time you update Java, but if you forget then you have to go through the process of resetting you home page and uninstalling the unwanted toolbars and addons.
Prevent Java Install from installing the unwanted software
If you already have a fairly recent version of Java installed then you can prevent this unwanted behavior:
- Go into Windows Control Panel
- Launch the Java Configuration Applet.
- Got to the Advanced tab.
- Scroll down the list and check "Suppress sponsor offers when installing or updating Java" in the Miscellaneous section.
- Click Apply.
- Click OK.
