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Installing Java

   

How do I install Java ?


This article applies to:
  • Platform(s):
    Solaris SPARC, Solaris x86, Sun Java Desktop System, Red Hat Linux, SUSE Linux, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 (SP4+), Windows 2003, Windows XP (SP1, SP2)
  • Browser(s):
    Internet Explorer 5.5, Internet Explorer 6.x, Netscape 6.2x, Netscape 7, Mozilla 1.4+
  • JRE version(s):
    1.5.0


 The procedure to download the JRE broadly consists of:
  1. Download and Install
  2. Enable and Configure
  3. Test Installation
The following software will be installed on your computer:
  1. The Java 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (JRE), which includes the Java Plug-in software and the Java Virtual Machine components needed to run Java technology based applets in a web browser.
  2. Java Web Start software which simplifies launching and running web-based programs that use Java technology based software.

Choose the Operating System:


Windows Download and Installation

Downloading and installing the JRE is easy and free. There are three ways by which you can get the JRE:

Automatic

  • For Internet Explorer
    This process downloads the installer file from the Internet and requires no user intervention. Your computer must remain connected to the Internet during the installation because the installer fetches the files from the web directly.

    For instructions to automatically download and install the JRE:
    Go to: Windows Automatic Download and Installation Instructions


  • For Mozilla 1.4, Netscape 7/7.1 (Not Officialy Supported)
    Using XPInstall, you can automatically download and install the JRE for Mozilla 1.4 or higher, Netscape 7/7.1 browser. XPInstall is a technology used to do cross-platform installations, packaging and software updates.

    For instructions to automatically download and install the JRE:
    Go to: Windows Automatic Download and Installation Instructions

    Note: Administrative Permission is required in order to install the JRE on Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP.

    Note: If you face difficulty using the Automatic download option, try the Manual download or Offline download option.


Manual

This process downloads an IFTW (Install From The Web) executable program file (e.g., j2re-1_5_0_(version)-windows-i586-p-iftw.exe, appx. 221KB size) and requires minimum user intervention. When you run this program, it fetches all the required files from the web. Hence you must remain connected to the Internet during the installation.

For instructions to manually download and install the JRE:
Go to Windows Manual Download and Installation Instructions

Note: Administrative Permission is required in order to install the JRE on Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP.

Note: If you face difficulty using the Manual download option, try the Offline download option.


Offline

This process requires you to download an executable file (e.g., j2re-1_5_0_(version)-windows-i586-p.exe, appx. 15.2 Mb size) that includes all the files needed for the complete installation. You do not need to remain connected to the Internet during the installation. The file can also be copied to a computer that is not connected to the Internet.

For instructions to download and install the JRE offline package:
Go to: Windows Offline Download and Installation Instructions

Note: Administrative Permission is required in order to install the JRE on Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP.



Linux Download and Installation

There are two ways by which you can get the JRE:
  • RPM (Redhat Package Manager)
  • Self Extracting Binary File

Linux RPM uses Redhat Package Manager to install the JRE. In order to use this method, RPM must be available on your computer. If it is not available, use the self extracting binary option.

For instructions to download and install the JRE:
Go to: Linux Download and Installation Instructions



Solaris Download and Installation

There are three ways by which you can get the JRE:
  • Solaris SPARC (32-bit)
  • Solaris SPARC (64-bit)
  • Solaris x86 (Solaris 7, 8, 9)

The JRE comes in the form of a self-extracting binary file. Download the appropriate package for your computer architecture and operating system.




NEED MORE HELP?
If you require further assistance, please make sure you check through our Help and FAQ sections thoroughly. We probably have a page that answers your question.

You may find information on the following topics in the Help section:
Installation Instructions
Configuration
Error Messages
Applet Application

Help Resources
> Installing Java
> Configuring Java
> Error Messages
> Applet Application
> Legal

 

FAQ
> General Questions
> Java for Mobile Devices

 

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