I updated Java today and now Firefox

[tishaLA]

is showing all kinda of ads, despite having the ABP extension installed. Did the Java update cause this? Or something else? I looked for an ABP update but I didn't find one.

[JPettus]

1. There's Not A Lot of Detail to go on here

As for Java, it will enable your browser to run java-based applications but you said you updated, so you already had it, correct?

Otherwise, the java install will often install the Google toolbar by default, but I couldn't say that is the cause of the problems you are having. You might go into Control Panel | Add/Remove Programs and see if Google toolbar is installed and remove it and see if that makes a change.

[DaveJ]

2. Old versions of Java had vulnerabilities

It's good to update Java. But these adware infections can be nefarious. One of many possibilities is that adware got onto your PC via the old Java API but decided to let lose after the upgrade. I wouldn't say the Java upgrade itself was responsible.

At any rate it's time to disinfect using advice from the the "Security Help" sticky post: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=242x1314