How To Install JRE in Ubuntu 11.04 Natty Narwhal!

I'm not a programmer but as an everyday computer user, having a basic understanding about popular programming languages such as C++ or Java (in this instance), etc is pretty handy. Because, say that if while browsing the web you came up with a website and to get their service you had to have installed Java Runtime Environment also known as JRE.

But if you haven't heard about it before... then you'd think, what the heck is that? and would feel reluctant. Anyway, as most of you know, Java is one of the most heavily used programing languages around the world. Nokia even has an entire operating system that's designed by it. So it's a kind of a big thing.

Official Logo...

OK Gayan, cut the cra*... why do I need JRE installed??

Well as I said before, if you want to run a program that is designed by Java programing language in your PC then you have to have installed JRE, without it, your PC has no idea how to "execute" that program. To make things worse... some of the websites are also heavily depend on these JRE web browser related libraries thus having it installed is a must. It's like having Adobe flash installed to watch YouTube videos.

So if you have installed Ubuntu 11.04 Natty Nalwhal, then there are basically two main ways that you can install JRE. First method is by using the Canonical partner repository or by using the PPA channel. I'm gonna tell you how to do it using the Canonical partner repository because it feels bit safer (no disrespect intended for the PPA developers).

1. Go to: "Power Button" (from the right top corner of your screen) -> "System Settings" -> "System" -> "Ubuntu Software Center".

2. Once inside of the Ubuntu software center, go to: "Edit" -> "Software Sources".... now you have to choose both of the repositories which says "Canonical Partners" and "Canonical Partners (Source Code).

Now open your Terminal and issue the below command to install JRE in Ubuntu 11.04!.

sudo apt-get install sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin sun-java6-fonts

You'll have to accept their "agreement" when asked and finally click "OK"... and you're done. To make sure everything went well, put the below command in you Terminal and it should give an output like the one below screenshot (numbers/names will change according to the current version).

sudo java -version