Java software and technologies are used as the backbone programming language for most of the training programs that the Office publishes to TRAINVirginia. Since Java plays such an integral and active role in the our courses, it is important that TRAINVirginia users ensure that the version of Java that they are running on their computer is the latest and greatest.
Java is a unique program which requires that users take an active role in managing the installation and maintence of this software on their computers. When a new versions of Java software are released, downloaded and installed on a computer, older versions are not automatically replaced with the newer version. Instead, Java leaves a copy of older versions on the PC and simply installs a new copy of the latest version of the product.
This unique installation technique can cause problems for TRAINVirginia users. Since older versions of Java are not removed during the installation process and TRAINVirginia may call on an older version of Java which can cause a training program to lock up forcing the user to reenroll and retake said course.
How to Remove Older Versions of Java
To uninstall older versions of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) from your system, use the Add/Remove Programs utility in the Microsoft Windows Control Panel.
1. Click Start
2. Select Settings
3. Select Control Panel
4. Double click the Add/Remove Programs control panel icon
5. The Add/Remove control panel displays a list of software on your system, including any Java software products that are on your computer. Select the Java Runtime Environment that you want to uninstall by clicking on it, and then click the Remove button.
a. Depending on the age of your system, there may be between 3 and 7 older versions of Java in the list of programs (please see the image below).
i. For security reasons, it is highly recommended that users remove all versions/references to Java in the list except for the latest version. Malicious websites can reference any version of the Java Runtime Environment you have installed.
b. As of January 1, 2008, the current version of the java Runtime Environment (JRE) is Java 6.0 Update 3.
i. Users can get the latest installer at: http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp
About Java
Java technology was created as a computer programming tool in a small, secret effort called "the Green Project" at Sun Microsystems in 1991. Java technology was introduced 1995, and Java technology was incorporated in the Netscape Navigator Internet browser that same year.
Now, nearing its twelfth year, the Java platform has attracted over 5 million software developers, worldwide use in every major industry segment, and a presence in a wide range of devices, computers, and networks of any programming technology.
Java is a mature, extremely robust programming language with surprising versatility. Java is used in the following ways: