Routegadget

[JK]

The latest revision of Java7 (51) has changed the way it allows code to run in applets unless signed by an appropriate signatory:
https://blogs.oracle.com/java-platform- ... s_for_rias

So what does that mean?

As I understand it that means that until Routegadget code is generated differently then people with the latest Java (issued today) might not be able to access Routegadget pages.

cheers

JK

[AndyC]

My java updated just before I read this - RATS - oh well haven't competed recently...

[JK]

Apologies Andy. I knew this change was coming for a couple of weeks now but didn't realise it affected RG otherwise I'd have shouted about it earlier.

JK

[andy]

I stopped using the java routegadget ages ago because it's not worth the hassle, I use an old laptop where I don't care about security for uploading events. It really needs an update, which it doesn't seem like it's going to get... so it's great to see SimonE doing his thing!

[Jagge]

Java has contol panel (in Windows: Control Panel\All Control Panel Items -> Java 32-bit ). There is a security slider with othree options: very high, high and medium. Default setting is "High". With this setting user has been able to run unsigned applets. Oracle ahs changed this setting in the lates version, unsigned applets can be run only in "medium" setting. If you go there and slide it one step down it wors as before.

Alternatively you can leave it at "High" but instead use "Exception Site List" feature. Push edit site list button and add the site (for example "http://www.jk.routegadget.co.uk/") you wish to run applets.

Unfortunatetly some users can't access/change these settings by themselves (work computers) or does not know such panel exists and all this java contol panel stuff and warning messages are in English - majority of older folks using RG in Finland can't understand - imagine yourself seeing error messages and control panel in Chinese and you'll understand Oracle just killed something.

It is possible to sign the applet, but you need to buy a certifiacte to do it. I have no plans to use $500 for one, but if someone wants to do it I sure can help.

[Sloop]

Thanks Jagge.

I'm still running XP and I allowed Java to update itself this morning. And Routegadget came up with an error, which couldn't be got round.
I then went to Control Panel, and ran the Java control panel and set my Security down to Medium, as per your instructions.
I had to restart my browser (Chrome) but now it has the same behaviour as before the upgrade - it asks do you really want to run this application and then happily runs it when you say yes.

[JK]

Java security settings are set to High for good reasons. Make sure you check the smallprint before making such changes.

Individual site exceptions of course are far lower risk.

Jagge: FYI I have just been through the process of buying a code-sign certificate from Comodo for 390 pounds for 3 years. I heard that Tucows have cheaper ones, but their processes can take a bit longer and we were in a rush to do it before the Java release today.

[King Penguin]

I have just suffered the auto-update and can no longer run RG.
However, I cannot find an "Exception Site List" button.
I could reduce the security setting level but am a little reluctant to do so (Windows 7).

[roadrunner]

I just updated Java and was able to add various club's routegadget installations to the exceptions list, after which everything worked as before (though I still had to respond to an annoying number of security prompts ). It's a bit of a pain that you have to add each club's site separately, maybe if there was one copy of the applet rather than one per club it would be a bit easier? However, RG2 should solve the problem once and for all.

[JK]

KP (or should I call you Mr Penguin?)

Intructions for Windows 7 (and yes you'll have to do it for every different RG site - changing security slider is likely a BAD plan):

Start button
Control Panel
Java
Security

Hmm I haven't updated my Win7 machine yet, but I am hoping there'll be a button
like there is on Windows XP after the java upgrade (which wasn't there before):
"Edit Site List"

JK

[roadrunner]

Hmm I haven't updated my Win7 machine yet, but I am hoping there'll be a button
like there is on Windows XP after the java upgrade (which wasn't there before):
"Edit Site List"

JK

My machine was Windows 7 and yes, there is.

[DJM]

Most Routegadget users will not go tinkering in their Control Panels so will lose the ability to use the service. So, unless something miraculous happens, RouteGadget is now effectively dead.

Roll on the RouteGadget 2.0 therefore! Is there a good reason why all clubs can't use it now?

[Paul Frost]

All clubs can use it now if they are prepared to upload it themselves and manage the frequent updates as it continues to be developed.

It's only dead for those who always update to the latest versions of everything, most uses don't. I saw something on the BBC website this morning that 30% of desktop computers are still running Windows XP.

I'll sort out adding an entry to the RoutGadget UK website later about the latest Java issues.

[alder]

It's only dead for those who always update to the latest versions of everything, most uses don't.

I clicked on the "Later" for the Java update BUT it (Win8) wouldn't allow run RG to run as it said that I was using an out-of-date version of Java....

[roadrunner]

It's only dead for those who always update to the latest versions of everything, most uses don't. I saw something on the BBC website this morning that 30% of desktop computers are still running Windows XP.

Not quite a fair comparison, IMHO: updating Windows versions costs a lot of money, whereas updates to Java, Firefox, etc are free.