One week ago I succeed to install the Sun’s Java Runtime Environment (JRE) on my Mandriva 2006. I avoid to use proprietary software as long as I can. Unfortunately I needed it to fill my annual tax form online…

So, here is how I achieve this:

  1. Download the last JRE (v1.5.0-06 at that time) from Sun official website.

  2. As root, launch:

    $ sh ./jre-1_5_0_06-linux-i586-rpm.bin

    (name of the file can change depending of the version number).

  3. Accept the licence (tip: scroll down until the end of the text).

  4. Back to the console, run:

    $ urpmi ./jre-1_5_0_06-linux-i586.rpm

  5. Go to mozilla system-wide plugin directory:

    $ cd /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins

  6. Create a symlink to the java plugin file:

    $ ln -s /usr/java/jre1.5.0_06/plugin/i386/ns7/libjavaplugin_oji.so

  7. Finished!

To check that java is well installed, type about:plugins in your Firefox browser URL field and check that java plug-in appear on the list.

Happy tax form filling!