How to get back Java Preferences in OS X with Java for OS X 2012-006?

Question

After installing the Java for OS X 2012-006 update, the Java Preferences app, for configuring applets and, more importantly for me, Java Web Start apps has gone. The tech note about this update says:

This update also removes the Java Preferences application, which is no longer required to configure applet settings.

If it's no longer required, what has replaced it, or how do I get back the same functionality? One of the things I used to be able to do was configure when / how the Java Console appeared. Now it doesn't appear ever, and there's apparently nothing I can do about it!

I already followed the steps in this tech note in order to re-enable the the Java plugin and Web Start functionality, even though I hadn't ever installed a Java 7 JRE.

I'm running OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.2.

Solution

Just read this CNET article which appears to indicate that the Apple now expects you install a Java 7 JRE from Oracle to get back applet and JWS support. The Oracle Java 7 JRE has its own preferences app.

The other option is to bring back the Apple Java Preferences app from a Time Machine backup, if it's available.

So, in summary the answer is one of:

• install a Java 7 JRE from Oracle.
• get a copy of the old Apple preferences app from a backup.