<p>NEW YORK Some Mac users were taken by surprise Thursday as their computers stopped running programs that use the Java programming language after Apple blocked Java due to security problems.</p><p>Java allows programmers to write a wide variety of Internet applications and other software programs and run them on most computers, including Apple Inc.'s Mac.</p><p>Earlier this month, however, the Department of Homeland Security recommended disabling Java in Web browsers to help prevent hacking attacks.</p><p>Oracle Corp., which owns Java, has issued updates that fix known vulnerabilities, but the DHS expects that there are more flaws in Java's coding.</p><p><a href="http://bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/01/apple-blocks-java-macs-due-vulnerabilities/24MwnDpwVjGOLVLgUpcMiK/story.html">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/komando/2013/01/31/komando-java-security-alert/1871047/">Java: How to fix your biggest Internet security risk</a> (USA TODAY)</p><p><a href="http://techland.time.com/2013/01/31/apple-blocks-java-on-macs-due-to-vulnerabilities/">Apple Blocks Java on Macs Due to Vulnerabilities</a> (TIME)</p><p><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-57566915-263/xprotect-update-blocks-unpatched-java-versions-in-os-x/">XProtect update blocks unpatched Java versions in OS X</a> (CNET)</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dO853TfFFWMflgMpunCI1f0NOcHWM&ned=us">42 additional articles.</a></p>