JDK confusion

[Jim Cox]

> Hi all,
>    I am going around in a circle re: jdk
>
>    Initially I was trying to install a tomcat app calling for jdk1.4.2
> and tomcat4.  Once I get this installed manually and after removing
> every vestige of java that I could find on my FC4 install, I was
> notified that a new version of the app was now available that requires
> jdk1.5.0 and tomcat5.  Now what is the best way to install 1.5.0 and
> tomcat5 utilizing rpms or yum.
>
>    I am not sure what packages I need.  I do see that sun has an rpm and
> that jpackage has a compat package..  but I am not exactly sure of what
> the compatability(?) package does for me. Or should I just get the
> tar.gz and install the jdk and tomcat5 manually?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob

The tar.gz route is about as easy as it gets, and lets you keep
multiple versions of the JDK on the box. I just expand install under
/usr (e.g. /usr/jdk1.5.0_01) and symlink the /usr/java directory along
with the main executables (/usr/bin/java, /usr/bin/javac, etc.).