How to Update Your Version of Java
Created by Sun Microsystems, the Java programming language allows developers to compile their programs into class files. These class files are capable of running on any operating system, as long as the user has installed the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) software package. Updates to the JRE are released periodically to correct bugs and improve performance. While Mac OS X users can install these updates using a simple menu command, experts recommend Windows users uninstall all existing JRE versions before installing any updates.
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Instructions
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Using Windows
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1
Click the Windows "Start" button and select "Control Panel."
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Double-click the "Add or Remove Programs" icon. If you use Windows Vista or Windows 7, double-click the "Programs and Features" icon instead.
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Click the name of your JRE installation. The label varies, depending on the version you have installed, but likely includes one of the following: "Java 6 Update," "Java SE Runtime Environment" or "J2SE Runtime Environment."
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Click the adjacent "Remove" button. If you use Windows Vista or Windows 7, click the "Uninstall" button near the top of the window instead.
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Click "Yes" when prompted by Windows to confirm your choice.
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Repeat until all previous Java versions have been uninstalled from Windows.
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Restart your computer.
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Open a web browser window and log onto the Java website (see Resources).
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Click the "Free Java Download" button and then click the "All Java Downloads" link.
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Click the link labeled "Windows 7/XP/Vista/2000/2003/2008 Offline" and save the installer program to your desktop when prompted by your browser.
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Close every open program and web browser windows.
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Double-click the icon of the installer program you downloaded from the Java website. Click "Continue" to confirm your choice if prompted by Windows.
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Click "Install."
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Check the box next to the name of any programs (e.g., Yahoo! Toolbar) that you want to install alongside the JRE software and then click "Next." All programs are optional. Depending on your operating system edition and your default web browser, you may not see this screen.
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Click "Close" after the installation process completes.
Using Mac OS X
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Click the "Apple" menu in the top-left corner of the window and choose "Software Update." If you use Mac OS X version 10.2.8 or earlier, click the "Apple" menu, select "System Preferences," click "View," choose "Software Update" and then click "Update Now."
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Check the box next to the "Java" item in the list of updates.
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Provide your administrator username and password when prompted and click "OK."
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Restart your computer after the update process completes.
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References
Resources
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