Computer geeks and Internet intellectuals understand a great many things the average users of smart phones and computers do not. While these more enlightened sorts revel in the arcane language of code and intricate programming languages, the rest of us just use our phones and tap away on our computers without much thought as to what’s whirring behind the screens. We do follow basic security rules (create strong passwords, avoid unknown links, input security software, etc.), but given our general lack of useful geekery, we’re usually slow on the uptake when major security issues arise.

In an effort to alert those not so in-the-know, the media has been buzzing this weekend with cautionary articles warning people about a Java bug and why it’s important to pay attention.

Before we get into that, do this: go to your computer, go to your browser, select Preferences, then Security; in the “Web content” section, you’ll see a list of things you can block or enable. Unclick the box that says “Enable Java.” Go do that now, then come back here and finish reading this article. Go on…we’ll be waiting.