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Java security and VStar - Solved!

BSJ
Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Fri, 01/17/2014 - 14:17

Hi All,

If VStar won't work and you get a message that looks something like this:

The work-around is here:  http://www.aavso.org/java-security-problem

The problem is that Java just changed its definition of "high risk" applications to include those with "self-signed" security certificates such as the one the AAVSO is currently using for VStar. We are looking into our options for purchasing a certificate from an official "Certifying Authority" which will solve the problem, but in the meantime, the above mentioned work-around should get things up and running again.

Please contact me (sara@aavso.org) offlist if this does not help.

-Sara

David Benn
Affiliation
Astronomical Society of South Australia (ASSAU)
Sat, 01/18/2014 - 12:51
Additional note

Thanks Sara.

I'd also like to point to the following (also written by Sara) on the AAVSO VStar overview page:

Please note: The latest Java update (version 7, update 51) may prevent you from running VStar because of our "self-signed" security certificate. If you get a warning message to this effect, please follow the work-around instructions.

 

If you have a firewall which blocks connection to the AAVSO server (for access to the AAVSO database) you should either disable it or run VStar offline. To run offline, visit the SourceForge VStar download page anddownload the latest VStar-(version).zip file, unzip it and place it in the location of your choice on your computer. The ReadMe.txt file contains instructions for running VStar from there.

So, downloading VStar from SourceForge and running it is also an option, instead of starting it from the web.

The benefit of using WebStart is of course that you always get the latest version without having to rely upon new release announcements. As Sara says, AAVSO is looking at obtaining a certificate to resolve the current WebStart issue.

David

WGR
Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Wed, 01/22/2014 - 17:35
Vstar Java

Hello

I just logged on as usualy this morning, 22 Jan 2014, and had no issues.  Seemed to work as per normal.  I did not have to use the workaround.

 

Gary

BSJ
Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Wed, 01/22/2014 - 17:57
VStar Java

Hi Gary,

What version of Java do you have? I don't think it is a problem unless you have the latest - Version 7, update 51.

-Sara

WGR
Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Thu, 01/23/2014 - 00:27
Java Version

Hi Sara

 

I have Jre6 listed in the program files.  I guess this is verion 6.  It was downloaded maybe 6 months ago.  Works fine.  "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"--as they say down east (in Maine).

Gary

BSJ
Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Tue, 01/28/2014 - 16:43
Good news!

Hi All,

With the purchase of a Java security certificate from an official certifying authority, the AAVSO has now become a "trusted organization". What this means is that you should no longer receive any scary-looking security warnings when you start up VStar. From now on, there may be one message (allowing you to inspect the security certificate if you want) but if you click the associated checkbox, you need never see it again.

As ever, please let me know if you have any problems with this.

-Sara