Java Runtime Environment (JRE) allows you to play online games, chat with people around the world, calculate your mortgage interest, and view images in 3D, just to name a few. It's also integral to the intranet applications and other e-business solutions that are the foundation of corporate computing.
It provides the libraries, the Java Virtual Machine, and other components to run applets and applications written in the Java programming language. In addition, two key deployment technologies are part of the JRE: Java Plug-in, which Enables Applets to Run in Popular Browsers; and Web Start, which deploys standalone applications over a network. Many cross platform applications also require Java to operate properly.
Itis a programming language and computing platform first released by Sun Microsystems in 1995. There are lots of applications and websites that will not work unless you have Java installed, and more are created every day. The program is fast, secure, and reliable. From laptops to datacenters, game consoles to scientific supercomputers, cell phones to the Internet, Java is everywhere! Itis at the heart of the digital lifestyle. It's the platform for launching careers, exploring human-to-digital interfaces, architecting the world's best applications, and unlocking innovation everywhere—from garages to global organizations.
Why should I upgrade to the latest version?
The latest version contains important enhancements to improve performance, stability and security of the applications that run on your machine. Installing this free update will ensure that your applications continue to run safely and efficiently.
What will I get when I download software?
The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is what you get when you download software. The JRE consists of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), Java platform core classes, and supporting Java platform libraries. The JRE is the runtime portion of the software, which is all you need to run it in your Web browser.
What is Java Plug-in software?
The program is a component of the (JRE). The JRE allows applets written in the programming language to run inside various web browsers. The Plug-in software is not a standalone program and cannot be installed separately.
I have heard the terms Virtual Machine and JVM. Is this software?
The Virtual Machine is only one aspect of software that is involved in web interaction. The Virtual Machine is built right into your software download and helps run Java apps.
Note: When your installation completes, you may need to restart your browser (close all browser windows and re-open) to enable the installation.
Also Available: Download Java Runtime Environment for Mac