How To Install Java (JRE) in Ubuntu Linux

Java is an object-oriented programming language developed by Sun.  Java is used by a large number of websites and you will likely require it for an optimal web browsing experience.  Ubuntu doesn't come with Java, but it is incredibly easy to install (note: make sure you have previously enabled the multiverse repository).

A quick search for "sun-java" in Synaptic Package Manager results in the following main packages:

• sun-java6-bin
• sun-java6-demo
• sun-java6-fonts
• sun-java6-javadb
• sun-java6-jdk
• sun-java6-jre
• sun-java6-plugin
• sun-java6-source

 If you only require java for your internet experience (99% of users), you only require sun-java6-fonts, sun-java6-jre, and sun-java6-plugin.  Mark the packages for installation via Synaptic Package Manager or install via terminal:

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

After going through the install prompts, you may verify the install via terminal with the command:

java -version

You should see output that looks something like this:

java version "1.6.0_20"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_20-b02)
Java HotSpot(TM) Server VM (build 16.3-b01, mixed mode)

Lastly, you can check that java is working in your favourite internet browser by visiting this test page.  You have now successfully installed java in Ubuntu!