How do I install the Java Runtime Environment (JRE)?

Installing Java

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This article applies to:

Platform(s):
Solaris SPARC, Solaris x86, JDS, Red Hat Linux, SUSE Linux, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 (SP4+), Windows XP (SP1 SP2), Windows 2003
JRE version(s):
1.4.2_xx

The procedure to download the JRE broadly consists of:

Download and Install
Enable and Configure
Test Installation

The following software will be installed on your computer:

The Java Runtime Environment (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.
Java Web Start software which simplifies launching and running web-based programs that use Java technology based software.

Choose the Operating System:

Windows
Linux
Solaris

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 download
Manual download
Offline download

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.

Go to this page for instructions to automatically download and install the JRE

For Mozilla 1.2, Firefox 0.8, Netscape 6.2.x and higher
Using XPInstall, you can automatically download and install the JRE for Mozilla 1.2, Firefox 0.8 and Netscape 6.2.x or higher browsers. XPInstall is a technology used to do cross-platform installations, packaging and software updates.

Go to this page for instructions to automatically download and install the JRE

Note

Install From the Web

This process downloads an IFTW (Install From The Web) executable program file (e.g., j2re-1_4_x_xx-windows-i586-p-iftw.exe, appx. 1.5Mb size). The filesize for the IFTW installer is smaller than the offline install. This option is beneficial for modem users. During the installation process, the installer downloads additional files as needed based on your installation type. Hence you must remain connected to the Internet during the installation.

Go to this page for instructions to download and install the JRE using IFTW installer.

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_4_x_xx-windows-i586-p.exe, appx. 15 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.

Go to this page for instructions to download and install the JRE using offline installer.

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.

Go to this page for instructions to download and install the JRE on Linux platform.

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.

Go to this page for instructions to download and install the JRE on Solaris platform.

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
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