Java Runtime Environment (RESOLVED)

[Chim]

So I always hear about how it's very important to keep the JAVA in ones computer updated for security purposes.

Now ... in my computer's Programs & Features area, I see an Icon for JAVA (TM) 6 Update 7

In FileHippo, I see this as the latest Java Runtime environment:

http://www.filehippo.com/download_jre_32/

Are these 2 different things?
Because the version number of the JAVA that's already in my computer appears to be way higher than what's in the FileHippo link.  So it leads me to believe they are 2 different things.

So I shouldn't replace the JAVA in my computer with what's in the FileHippo link, right?

[marc-d-l]

The latest version of Java runtime is 1.7.0.17

[Dwarden]

it depends if you use java 6 or 7 major versions ...

[Chim]

Yeah, the latest Java Runtime Environment there in FileHippo is 1.7.0.17 and I even already have it saved there in my Flash Drive.

The question still remains though, is THAT supposed to be used to replace / update the JAVA (TM) 6 Update 7 that I see in my computer's Programs & Features?  The seemingly different numbering schemes is throwing me off.

As I asked before ... ARE they 2 different things?

In other words, one wouldn't go uninstalling sayyy ... Flash Player and try replacing it with Java Runtime Environment because they are 2 different things.

So, I don't want to uninstall that JAVA (TM) 6 Update 7 ... and then find out too late that that Java Runtime Environment 1.7.0.17 that I saved from FileHippo is NOT the same thing and is NOT to be used for updating that.

[Gopher John]

JRE 7 U 17 is the latest and is a security update.  JRE 6 U 43 is the last of the JRE 6 family and users are encouraged to update to JRE 7.  See http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/6u43-relnotes-1915290.html

JDK 6 Support

This release is the last of publicly available JDK 6 Updates. Oracle recommends that users migrate to JDK 7 in order to continue receiving public updates and security enhancements. All JDK 6 releases up to and including 6u43 will be moved to Java Archive, where they will remain available but will not receive updates. For users who require continued access to JDK 6 updates, long term support is available through the Java SE Support program.

If you must have Java 6 support, you can download the install from http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html.  Scroll down below where Java 7 downloads are and you will see it.  Most people don't need Java at all, and even less must have the Java 6.  Java 7 supports the vast majority of functions that Java 6 supports, unless the Java applet writer specified a certain version.

[marc-d-l]

The end of life for Java 6 was Feb 2013. So I guess its up to you if you want to upgrade to 7.

[Chim]

Thanks, Marc, Dwarden, Gopher John.

In looking through Info in those links, the question that kept dogging me was finally answered.

I see now that apparently while Javas might be referred to as Java 6 and Java 7, Etc., they really have a full version of their designations, which include a prefix of 1.

THAT is what had been throwing me off.  I kept wondering, "How can 1.7.0.17 be the latest when a 6 and a 7 are higher than that?"

Okay, I got it now.
I'll consider this topic RESOLVED.

[Gopher John]

Chim, you're welcome.  Uninstall version 6 as I don't think that version 7 will replace it, even though the new install should become the default.  I've always uninstalled each version manually before installing the new version, even though supposedly that isn't required anymore.

[Chim]

That's what I'll do when I pull the trigger, Gopher John.
I've never been a fan of installing over an existing App to update it.
I always prefer uninstalling the old version of an App, then installing the new version.