These instructions are intended to help CS026 students get Java and BlueJ working on their own computers. We attempt to provide some information for both Windows XP and MacOS, but we have only verified these guidelines for Windows XP. If you encounter issues in getting Java or BlueJ working after following these guidelines, please see your instructor or lab instructor. Variations in computer configuration might cause unforeseen issues in getting things set up, but we will be happy to try sorting these out with you. (Also, since we are linking to files off campus, these links may break if the Java or BlueJ websites change. If you notice a problem, please let your instructor or lab instructor know, and we will correct things.)

Part A - Java Installation

The following guidelines should only be followed if you are using Windows XP. If you are running MacOS, Apple provides a version of Java that should be suitable for this course with the latest version of the operating system. If you fully updated MacOS, you should be able to proceed directly with a BlueJ installation in Part B, below. A slightly newer version of Java is also available from Apple, but for this course, you likely can make use of the pre-installed version. For more details, please consult Apple's Java Developer Connection.

1. The first step is to go to the Java 5.0 Download Website. It is important to note that you want to download the JDK (Java Development Kit) as opposed to the JRE (Java Runtime Environment), because only the JDK can be used to develop new software.
2. You will want to download either JDK 5.0 alone or with NetBeans. We will not be using NetBeans as a development environment in CS026, but it is currently being used in CS027. Since we are using BlueJ instead, you may download either version.
3. After making your choice, you will proceed through follow on web pages from which you will eventually accept a license agreement and download an executable file containing the JDK (with or without NetBeans, depending on your selection). Installation instructions are also available from the Java website and will provide additional information (available here if you are installing with NetBeans, and here if not).
4. Once downloaded, you should simply double-click and run the downloaded executable file. You will likely need to click through another license agreement and will have the option of tuning different installation parameters, like where Java will be installed. Unless you have a really good reason, it is likely best for you to use the default installation location and default installation settings. Java will then be installed on to your system.

Part B - BlueJ Installation

1. The first step is to download BlueJ. This can be done by going to the BlueJ Download website.
2. Select the appropriate file to download, depending on whether you are running Windows XP or MacOS.
3. Once downloading is complete, installation can proceed in Windows XP by double-clicking the downloaded executable to run it, or in MacOS by expanding the .zip installation file, and moving the contents to the desired location. Further installation instructions are available here.
4. When BlueJ is run, it should be able to find your Java installation. If it cannot, you can try to manually find it. On Windows, for example, Java should be installed under C:\Program Files\Java. If problems persist, be sure that you installed a Java JDK and not just the JRE in Part A!
5. Further documentation on BlueJ can be found here, in particular a tutorial and its reference manual

Part C - Followup and Testing

To test out your Java and BlueJ installations, you can download the example programs presented in class on the course notes website. These programs are packaged in .zip files that, when unpacked, will provide a directory containing a BlueJ project. BlueJ should be able to open these projects without difficulty, and you can test out your installation by compiling and running the programs as discussed in the first labs of the course.

If you have any difficulties or issues in using Java or BlueJ consult your instructor, lab instructor, or one of the other teaching assistants during their consulting times.