Install Java

Introduction

There are various producers, each of which develops an own version of Java, e.g. Sun, IBM, Blackdown, etc. As to our programme, we only support the Sun Java-environment. Due to lack of time, we are unable to support the other systems.

Some Linux distributions do not have Sun Java, but offer one of the free alternatives (read about reasons for this in the article by Richard Stallman). These alternatives need to be replaced to make sure TV-Browser is running properly.

JRE or JDK

A short explanation: JRE is short for Java Runtime Environment. It is sufficient for all kinds of Java programmes to be started. So the JRE would be adequate for an end-user. For those who would like to try and develop own Java applications may install JDK (Java Development Kit). Additionally to JRE, JDK also offers developer tools. Basically, it does not matter what you decide for. TV-Browser is running with both versions.

Windows

Simply download the newest version from http://java.com and install.

For those who encounter difficulties there, please have a look at this manual. Step by step, it leads you through the installation of Java:
http://uckan.info/texte/java-installationsanleitung/

Mac OS X

Mac OS X comes with Java. No further steps are necessary.

Unfortunately, Java 1.4, which comes with Mac OS X, has a few problems with our dialogues. To fix this problem, you may install Java 1.5.

To do so, take the following steps:

• Download and install Java 1.5 release 3
• In /Applications/Utilities/Java/J2SE 5.0/Java Preferences go to "Java Application Runtime-Settings" and, using your mouse, drag the J2SE 5.0 version above the 1.4.2 version.

Debian

On Debian systems, Blackdown Java is installed by default. Unfortunately, it is not absolutely compatible to Sun Java, which makes it necessary to install Sun Java.

See also http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-java-faq/ch11.html#s11.2

Fedora

See http://home.gagme.com/greg/linux/fc4-tips.php#java

Gentoo

See http://www.gentoo.org/doc/de/java.xml

As described in step 2 in the manual, there are various Java versions you may choose from. We recommend installing the JRE or JDK offered by Sun, as most developers of Java programmes use this Java. You will therefore experience hardly any problems.

OpenSuse

See http://www.opensuse.org/Java

Suse

In Yast, go to Software>Software install or delete. Then search for Java and install the java-1_5_0-sun-packages.

(K)Ubuntu

(K)Ubuntu offers only GCJ, which is the free Java-environment. Unfortunately, it is not yet to a hundred per cent compatible to the Sun VM and therefore can not be used with TV-Browser.

Please install the Sun VM, taking the following steps:

• Add this source:

deb http://ubuntu.tower-net.de/ubuntu/ breezy java

• Install package "sun-j2re1.5"
• In a terminal, enter:

sudo update-alternatives --config java

• Now select the SUN VM in the list.

The Sun VM is now installed.

For further information, go to: http://wiki.ubuntuusers.de/Java