HT5493 Java update and reverting to 1.6

Question

Good afternoon.
After installing the java update this week I've realised it makes my Macbook useless for work. I regularly rely on a Corporate Information System at my University to access student records. This system is incompatible with Java 7, upon installing the update it directs me to install the plug in from Oracle (for which only java 7 is available) When trying to access the system it comes up with the following error, "requires jinitiator 1.1.8.2 or higher" Which I assume is a change between Java 6 and 7.
Spent a long time with the Universities tech support who couldn't help only to confirm that Java 7 is not supported (and even directed me to several .exe windows programs to update jinitiator, as well as to some malware). Apple Tech suport had no solution to the problem either other than to time machine back to before the update.
I have now used time machine to restore to prior to the update (which took 48 hours for 300GB!!!!!)
So ideally I would like to install the update (for various reasons, including security) but still have access to University system.
Can anyone provide any advice how I can do so?
Alternatively I suppose I will have to avoid this update, but I assume it is forever going to remind me. If that is the case then is there a way to permanently tell my macbook to ignore this update?
Any help greatfully received?
Kind regards
Josh

Answer 1

Sounds like we are at the same University!
My solution has been to use a virtual Windows machine to access the application under Parallels. A bit like cracking nuts with a sledgehammer, I know, but it works.