Topic: JBidwatcher Tips and Tricks / Reporting Java versions

Hi Morgan,

I know some JBidwatcher users would probably not know what Java version is installed and running in their computers. Since I work every day with Unix systems (AIX, HP-UX, Linux, and Solaris), the version is very easy to discover (the command works with all these systems).

For users under MS Windows, open a command window: At “Start”, click on “Run”, then type “cmd” at the Open line, then hit Enter, which opens a black window with a DOS prompt.

At the DOS prompt, type: java -version
then hit Enter. The reply would be something like this:

java version “1.6.0_03”
Java<tm> SE Runtime Environment <build 1>
Java HotSpot<tm> Client VM <build 1.6.0_03-b05, mixed mode, sharing>

The reply cold be different to what I have for my system which is Win XP, SP3. The “java -version” command may be a bit different for Mac users, but it is the same for all Linux users, too.

It is an excellent way to know what Java version is running to help in troubleshooting any new JBidwatcher problem being reported. I suggest asking all new problem postings to add this information. Most users are probably not updating their Java version, and this is important for you to determine if a newer version can solve their problems.

Good Luck and thanks!!

Raymond J. Ramirez