How to Install Java on Xubuntu

Xubuntu is a derivative of Ubuntu, which is a free Linux operating system that has become a popular alternative to Windows XP and Vista. Except for a few programs and applications, Xubuntu is basically Ubuntu with the Xfce4 window manager installed instead of GNOME. Because Xubuntu uses the same repositories and package manager as Ubuntu, installing Java on Xubuntu is a simple process.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Click on the main Xubuntu menu, select "Accessories" and then "Terminal." Type "sudo apt-get update" (omit the quotes) at the prompt; then hit "Enter."

2. Type your Xubuntu administrator password when prompted; then hit "Enter." Type "sudo apt-get install sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin sun-java6-fonts" at the prompt; then hit "Enter."

3. Select "Yes" when asked if you accept the Sun Java licensing agreement. Hit "Enter" to install Java and any additional dependencies.

4. Type "java -version" at the prompt; then hit "Enter." The results should show something like, "java version 1.6.0_10, Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_10-b33), Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 11.0-b15, mixed mode, sharing)." Close the Terminal.

5. Open the Sun Java test page (see Resources). After a few seconds, an animated character will move across the screen if Java is installed correctly. The results will also show your Java version and vendor.

Tips & Warnings

• As an alternative, type "sudo apt-get install xubuntu-restricted-extras" at the prompt; then hit "Enter." This method installs Java plus several restricted codecs and other proprietary formats that are not included by default in Xubuntu.

References

• Xubuntu Wiki

Resources

• Sun Java Test Page
• Java Help Center