Setting up java is fairly simple despite the lengthy processes I find on the internet. I needed to setup java to try out a web app and didn’t find much help online. Most of the help pages I found seemed to install a lot more then I needed. If you need only the core elements to run a java app then follow these few easy steps.

1. Download the correct version of java from  http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp. I download the Linux RPM (self-extraction file) version.
2. Change the permission of the file you downloaded to be executable. Type: chmod a+x jre-6u<version>-linux-i586-rpm.bin
3. Start the installation process. Type: ./jre-6u<version>-linux-i586-rpm.bin
4. Follow the instructions on screen. When I run the self installer got an error and it quit. If it quits then continue to setup 5, else you’re done.
5. Convert the RPM to a Debian package. Type: alien -d --scripts jre-6<version>--linux-i586.rpm
6. Install the Debian package. Type: dpkg -i jre_1.6. <version>_i386.deb
7. Make sure java installed properly. Type:  java –version