How do I install Java?

This article applies to:

Platform(s): Solaris SPARC , Solaris x86 , Red Hat Linux , SUSE Linux , Windows 98 , Windows ME , Windows 2000 , Windows XP , Windows 2003 , JDS
Browser(s): All Browsers
Java version(s): 1.4.2_xx

The procedure to download Java broadly consists of:

Download and Install
Enable and Configure
Test Installation

The following software will be installed on your computer:

Java, which includes Java Plug-in software and 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 Java is easy and free. There are three ways by which you can get Java:

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 Java

For Mozilla 1.2, Firefox 0.8, Netscape 6.2.x and higher
Using XPInstall, you can automatically download and install Java 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 Java

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 Java.

Note: Administrative Permission is required in order to install Java 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 Java using offline installer.

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

Linux Download and Installation

There are two ways by which you can get Java:

RPM (Redhat Package Manager)
Self Extracting Binary File

Linux RPM uses Redhat Package Manager to install Java. 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 Java on Linux platform.

Solaris Download and Installation

There are three ways by which you can get Java:

Solaris SPARC (32-bit)
Solaris SPARC (64-bit)
Solaris x86 (Solaris 7, 8, 9)

Java 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 Java on Solaris platform.