Different ways of Installing java jre from Oracle

Someone asked me about this so here is how I did it. (If using 32 bit just substitute accordingly).

Download the bin file jre-6u26-linux-x64.bin from http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jre-6u26-download-400751.html
Save to Desktop.

AS ROOT

1. mv /home/user/Desktop/jre-6u26-linux-x64.bin /opt/
2. cd /opt/
3. chmod +x jre-6u26-linux-x64.bin
4. ./jre-6u26-linux-x64.bin (the./ means you will run the install script)
5. cd /usr/sbin
6. alternatives --install /usr/bin/java java /opt/jre1.6.0_26/bin/java 2
7. cd /
8. usr/sbin/alternatives --config java (or type:
source /etc/profile.d/java.sh
alternatives --config java)

After completion of step 8. you should see something like this:-

There is 1 program that provides 'java'.

Selection Command
-----------------------------------------------
*+ 1 /opt/jre1.6.0_26/bin/java

Enter to keep the current selection[+], or type selection number:
[root@localhost /]#

9. usr/sbin/alternatives --display java
Tests to see all OK. You should get something like this:-

java - status is manual.
link currently points to /opt/jre1.6.0_26/bin/java
/opt/jre1.6.0_26/bin/java - priority 2
Current `best' version is /opt/jre1.6.0_26/bin/java.

Now the browser links.

Opera.

Tools>Preferences>Advanced>Content>Plug-in Options>Change Path>Add
Browse to /opt/jre1.6.0_26/lib/amd64
OK>OK>OK

Firefox.

I made a soft link ..

ln -sf /opt/jre1.6.0_26/lib/amd64/libnpjp2.so /usr/lib64/mozilla/plugins/

Check about:plugins

Test the browser(s) http://www.java.com/en/download/help/testvm.xml

[I also did this although I am not sure whether needed. I have never needed it.
(Also as root)

gedit /etc/profile.d/java.sh

Enter the following environment variables:

export J2RE_HOME=/opt/jre1.6.0_26
export PATH=$J2RE_HOME/bin:$PATH

Add an empty line at the end of the file.]

TO REMOVE A VERSION

su -c 'alternatives --remove java /opt/jre1.6.0_24/bin/java'

Nice manual! I've tested it without any problems. Works fine.

Installing JRE can be done easier (especially the part of activating the plugin).

32 bits systems
Remove any older JRE package if installed.
Remove /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libnpjp2.so (if present).
Install the new rpm package.
Create a soft link to the plugins directory:

64 bits systems
Remove any older JRE package if installed.
Remove /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libnpjp2.so (if present).
Install the new rpm package.
Create a soft link to the plugins directory:

redman, hello.

Are you by any chance referring to openjdk ? If so I am not keen on it and have therefore tried to show how to install from Oracle's site. Furthermore if it is openjdk you refer to, is it the latest jre update 26 ? (previous ones were patched).

On the other hand if it is not openjdk, that would be good news but where did you find the rpm ?

Now, I don't want to be blamed for keeping you from work where it counts viz. making money,
so take your time replying.

Nope, I'm talking about the one from java.com (Oracle): link.

Just download the self-extracting RPM file.
Chmod it to 777 and run is as user (!).
It will extract the rpm and try to install it.
Of course the installation will fail because you are a regular user (duhhh).
Then follow the instructions I posted before.
Really nothing more to it.

Heh heh ... nobody is looking

Hi,

I'd installed java-1.6.0-openjdk-1.39.1.9.8.el6_1 using yumex.

I can't find libnpjp2.so. Is that the wrong package?

Openjdk is something else.
The JRE (Java Runtime Environment) package isn't part of any repo (for legal reasons).
You need to download and install it manually.

Openjdk is something else.
The JRE (Java Runtime Environment) package isn't part of any repo (for legal reasons).

I don't think it's for legal reasons, some Linux distros used to ship the official JRE and if you look at the license it explicitly allows redistribution. The reason why distros these days prefer OpenJDK is because it's now mature enough as a replacement and it's true FOSS.

As I said, legal reasons
Red Hat won't ship packages with RHEL and Fedora that isn't GPL.

As I said, legal reasons
Red Hat won't ship packages with RHEL and Fedora that isn't GPL.

Surely you meant FOSS?

RHEL and Fedora contain many packages that aren't GPL, GPL is only one out of many existing FOSS compatible licenses.

Of course you're right, I'm talking about packages that are FOSS.

I'm so used to explaining GPL that it comes automatically to mind when mentioning any kind of free software (sorry RMS)
But I've updated my sig so no more slip of the tongue keyboard.

There is something I just don't get. How can I know a new Java version is available without manually checking?
Suppose there is a security issue, I'd like to be notify right away.

You need to check it manually or read the news on a serious IT related news site.
As far as I know Oracle doesn't have a mailinglist where they announce new releases of Java.

The discussion on the possible licence change from Java has been moved.
It can be found here.