Sun Delivers Updates & Improvements

For those who don’t have their Java Runtime Environment set to check for updates, the version 6 update 15 has been released for consumption.

The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) provides the libraries, the Java Virtual Machine, and other components to run applets and applications written in the Java programming language. In addition, two key deployment technologies are part of the JRE: Java Plug-in, which enables applets to run in popular browsers; and Java Web Start, which deploys standalone applications over a network. This is the official Java Download from Sun Microsystems.

Changes include:

- Improved reliability. The JVM running the applet is isolated from the web browser at the operating system level.
- Built-in JNLP support. The new plug-in offers the capability to launch applets directly from JNLP files, unifying deployment of Java content both in the browser and out of the browser (via Java Web Start).
- Per-applet command-line arguments. JVM command-line arguments may be specified on a per-applet basis, providing fine-grained control over options such as the heap size and Java 2D hardware acceleration features.
- Multiple Java Platform version support. Each individual applet instance may request a different Java Platform version on which to run.
- Improved Java/JavaScript communication. The bridge between the JavaScript engine in the web browser and the Java programming language has been completely reimplemented. The new implementation is backward-compatible and features improved reliability.
- Improved user experience. The new Java Plug-In starts applets in the background, so the web browser always remains responsive. Applets appear on the web page as they become ready to run.
- Improved applet lifecycle management. Calls to the applet lifecycle methods init, start, stop, and destroy are more deterministic and cross-browser behavior has been improved.
- Better large heap support. Historically, the maximum heap size that could be specified for applets via the Java Control Panel has been limited. This limitation is fixed in the new Java Plug-In; applets can now utilize as much heap space as command-line.
- Better Windows Vista support. Signed applets running in Protected Mode Internet Explorer on Microsoft’s Windows Vista now have the same privileges as normal user applications, eliminating a portability barrier to this platform.

from Tech Connect

Download: Java Runtime Environment 6 Update 15

I am not certain of any other things that I personally noticed, but the couple of problems with the Java system running inside the Opera 10 browser beta were fixed by the application of this update. I applied it to 3 systems to make certain that was the change that made things happen.

With Update 14, there were times when the Java applets would not work, or would stop, and nothing short of a reboot of the machine would help. With Update 15, all is fine. I was not able to verify this behavior in IE8, however, having the latest revision of the JRE is always a good thing.

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