Java versions?

[Maggie Jackson]

I'm totally confused as to the different versions of Java..I was told that in order to perform a certain task I need to have Java 2 1.5 installed.. I have couple of questions..

Is Java 2 1.5 an outdated version? if so, what is the latest update for that particular product?

Is Java 2 1.5 = J2SE 5?

What is the difference between JRE 6 update 3 and J2SE 5?

Thank you in advance..

[marc weber]

As Sun tried to explain, "Both version numbers '1.5.0' and '5.0' are used to identify this release of the Java 2 Platform Standard Edition." So yes, 1.5 is basically the same as 5.0, and 1.6 is the same as 6.0.

The current version of the Java 2 SE (Standard Edition) developer's kit is JDK 6 Update 4. (See Sun's Java SE download page.) If you require Java 1.5, then Java 1.6 should also work fine.

The differences between Java 5 and 6 are fairly minor (at least from a beginner perspective). See What's New in Java SE 6.
[ January 28, 2008: Message edited by: marc weber ]

[Maggie Jackson]

Hi Marc..thank you for your help..

I was told that I need Java 2 1.5 on my computer..however, I recently downloaded Java..I checked the version it says (version 6 update 3) ..but it is called JRE 6..

What is confusing me is that they have different names ..: JRE 6 update 3..then another one JDK 6 update 4..

Which of those would be comparable to Java 2 1.5 or J2SE 5?

What is the difference between JRE 6 and JDK 6 ?

Thanks..

[Campbell Ritchie]

Don't use the JRE if you are developing code. Use the JDK; as Marc Weber has told you, the most recent version is JDK6u4.
Any code which works on Java5 will work on JDK6.
Remember to record or write down the name of the folder you install the JDK into; you will need that information for setting the PATH on your computer.

[marc weber]

JRE is a "Java Runtime Environment," which is used to run Java programs.

JDK is a "Java Development Kit," which is used mainly to compile Java source code into bytecode.

So if you're a programmer writing your own Java code, then you need the JDK. But if you're just running a Java application, then all you need is the JRE.

Either way, Java 6 is back compatible with Java 5, so you should be fine using version 6. You just wouldn't want to use a version that's lower than 5.
[ January 28, 2008: Message edited by: marc weber ]

[Maggie Jackson]

Thank you so much for your help..

I'm no programmer ...I'm basically computer illiterate...LOL

[marc weber]

Originally posted by Maggie Jackson:
...I'm no programmer ...I'm basically computer illiterate...LOL

In that case, the links I provided above are probably more than what you need. Java.com is geared more towards end users.

If you're not programming, it sounds like you will be fine with JRE 6 (and you won't have to worry about the JDK, updating your PATH variable, etc.).

[Maggie Jackson]

Thank you so much Marc..I'm definitely an end user..

[Maggie Jackson]

Hi..

I installed the latest Java version 6 update 3..however, when I try to access/run a java program I get this error message:

- Couldn't initialize tubesock: Unable to communicate with applet after 5 attempts -

What should I do now?

[Ulf Dittmer]

What does "access/run a java program" mean? What exactly are you doing?

[Rob Spoor]

Java version 6 update 3 is no longer the latest; update 4 has been released a few weeks ago.

[Maggie Jackson]

Hi and thanks for your help..

I want to view things that need Java..

Here is the situation:

-When I click Start---> Programs : Java is not listed at all..

-When I click Tools ---> Internet options ----> advanced : "use Java (the old version)" is checked..the new version is not listed at all..

-When I click Start ---> Control Panel ----> add and remove programs : both versions are listed ..when I tried to remove the old version I got this error message: the InstallShield Engine (iKernel.exe) could not be launched. Class not registered

Please let me know how I can correct this problem ...thanks

[marc weber]

Java is not a program that you start. It is more like a "platform" that runs in the background when you launch a program that uses Java. So you will not see "Java" listed under the Start menu.

To verify what version you are using, go to Java.com and click on the "Verify Installation" button.

It sounds like you're trying to run an applet in a browser. (An "applet" is a Java application that's embedded in a webpage.) And I assume you're running Internet Explorer in Windows. Are these correct assumptions?

Can you tell us exactly what you're doing (step by step) and the complete error message you're getting? Also, do you know whether anyone else is able to run this applet successfully?

[lashawn walker]

couldn't initialize tubesock: Unable to communicate with applet after 5 attempts

I get this message when i am trying to open a schedule for work and I dont know what to do

I have cleaned removed and re installed java. the only thing i see different on my home computer and work computer is that it doesnt have anything in the trusted certificates in the jav control panel
I can open it at work but not at my home computer
i can also open it on my granddaughters computer


Please help

[Campbell Ritchie]

lashawn walker, welcome to JavaRanch

Why have you posted a question unrelated to the original thread?
Why have you resurrected a thread from last year? You won't get any answers to your question like that. I shall lock this thread, and I suggest you ask your question anew. That is not a "Java-in-General" question; I suggest it would sit best on the "General Computing" forum.