Installing Java

1. Download the latest version from java.sun.com (link on home page).  You should install java version 1.6.0_01 SDK

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Installing Net Beans, Blue J, or other IDE's

1. Not supported

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Setting the PATH and CLASSPATH on Windows XP

For VERSION 1.6.0_01 of Java (the new version!)

NOTE: If a command is given in quotes for you to type, DO NOT TYPE THE QUOTES

1. Click on START (lower left)

2. Under "Settings" click on "Control Panel"

3. Switch to "classic view" (upper left) -- not "category view"

4. Click on the "System" icon.

5. Click on the "Advanced" tab.

6. Click on the "Environment Variables" button (bottom).

7. Highlight "PATH" (in the top window) and click the "edit" button.  

NOTE:  UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU EDIT OR MODIFY AND OF THE "SYSTEM VARIABLES" -- you could render your entire computer unusable! --

8. Edit the "PATH" so it begins C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_01\bin; (note: if you install Java into a different directory, you may need to change the directory from that listed above)

9. For example, the full "PATH" on my computer is:
C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_01\bin;C:\Program Files\SSH Communications Security\SSH Secure Shell

10. After you have finished editing the PATH, click "OK".  You are done setting your PATH.  Now you have to create a new variable, called your CLASSPATH.

11. Click on the "NEW" button below the top window.

12. Under 'variable name' type CLASSPATH

13. Under 'variable value' type . (yes, type a single period).

14. Click OK.

15. EXIT the control panel.

16. Restart your computer.

17. Test your installation by opening up a DOS window and verifying that both the commands "java" and "javac" are recognized.

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Creating an AUTOEXEC.BAT file (alternative)

1. Click on START (lower left)

2. Click on run

3. Where is says "open" type in "command" and click OK.  This gets you to the DOS prompt.

4. Type "cd c:\"

5. Type "notepad autoexec.bat"  -- this will bring up the notepad editor.  In this editor type the following two lines:
set PATH=%PATH%; C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_01\bin;
set CLASSPATH=.

6. Exit notepad.

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