Java for Windows Help Please

I was wondering if anyone can help me figure out how to install Java on my WIndows XP system so I can
compile and run programs through MS-DOS or any other way. I used to use a Solaris system to run and compile
but do not have access to that anymore. I have tried downloading the Java files from Sun's web site but they
have so many different selections I am not sure what I need. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.


Trevor

I have a Word document which explains how to install Java, MySQL on a Windows XP PC.
I'm still elaborating this document since I have to port all my java web applications from
Win 2K to XP. Unfortunately, this document is written in dutch. But if you're interested,
I'm willing to translate this step by step. Just give me a sign if this seems like a solution
to your problem.

I don't see the purpose in install MySQL if you don't need it
RodimusT, have you downloaded the binaries from Sun's site?
For Windows, Sun has made a simple EXE that you run and configure... you may need to set your classpath afterwards.

Depends on which flavour you install...
http://java.sun.com/downloads/index.html

from sun, obtain:
1) the sun java VM (DO NOT use microsoft's VM, it is very very old. you should, in fact, uninstall it if it is on your system unless u need to test against it. search the ms knowledgebase for instructions on uninstalling their vm)
2) the sun java SDK

go to: http://java.sun.com/downloads and look under the first item listed - Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition (J2SE). select the version you want - J2SE 1.4.2 or the newest which is J2SE 5.0. 1.4.2 seems to be a bit more stable, but 5.0 contains some new stuff. not that many people seem to be running the newest VM tho, so if u redistribute your code, you might have issues running on other computers if you get 5.0. as an alternative, get 5.0 and pay close attention to the docs and see when each feature you are using was introduced.

On the next page (after you make your selection from the list and hit the button), get the following:
1) SDK (the SDK)
2) JRE (the runtimes)
3) documentation

u might also want to get netBeans (prominently listed at the top of the page); it is an IDE (which will make development easier).