JavaRa: update Java and remove old versions
Description: JavaRa is a free, portable program that quickly updates the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) installed on your computer to the latest available version. It can optionally remove all older versions that may exist on your machine, as well as a host of related temporary files that may be taking up space on your hard drive.
It was recently updating Java on my machine and realized that all previous versions of the Java Runtime Environment were left behind on my hard drive. This, apparently, is by design; the creators of Java, Sun Microsystems, choose to leave earlier versions behind in the off chance that a Java applet will require an earlier version to run. And while this can make sense on some level, the cost vs. benefit of having a couple of hundred megs taken up on my machine on the one hand, and, on the other, the very low probability that I will run into an applet that will not work with the newest version of Java makes it easy for me: given a choice I would rather have only the latest version on my hard drive.
What JavaRa can do for you is both update to the latest version of the Java JRE as well as remove all earlier versions (it can, moreover, remove a number of unnecessary temp and log files). Here are more notes on this program:
- Updating Java: JavaRa does this primarily by running Java’s update program, which is part of the Java installation that already exists on your hard drive. Alternately it offers the option to update/install Java by opening the relevant page on the Java website, which can be a bit confusing (look for “JRE” and click download).
Removing older versions: this is done at the press of a button; all earlier versions, registry keys, temp and installer files are gone in a flash, which can amount to a couple hundred megs or more in saved disk space (depending on how many earlier versions were on your hard drive).
Additional tasks: can automatically remove unused files, JRE-related startup items, the Sun download manager (I recommend all three). There are other tasks including downloading the latest version of JavaRa, removing the program’s log file, and removing the program’s language preferences.- No install: to run the program unzip and run. No installation needed.
The verdict: not much to say here, except that the program works well and does what it purports to do. If you don’t mind having earlier versions of the Java JRE on your machine and/or don’t know why you should care, than I would just skip this program if I were you. Alternately if you would like to keep your Java JRE updated to the latest version and remove all others and all related files which you don’t think you will ever need then you will like JavaRa; personally I think its a pretty nifty little tool!
Version Tested: 1.11
Compatibility: WinAll.
Go to the program page to download (approx 58K).
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I encounter PCs with few old JRE versions pretty often and for some reason uninstallers are often broken. I already have a habit of simply deleting them and letting CCleaner handle remaining registry entries. Not cute but works and doesn’t require one more utility to have around.
Sun has supposedly fixed this problem:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/securityfix/2008/10/java_update_promises_to_remove.html
Yes, most machines have a few older versions of Java installed. You’ll see them if you open the add/remove panel in Windows. They can take up a lot of memory, but that’s not my biggest problem with it. What use is a security update if websites can still start older Java versions without you being aware of it???
It’s good that Java has addressed this problem now. Still, it seems you have to remove older versions by hand. Either with this tool or with the Add/remove panel.
So when I get a new computer I am expected to install old versions of Java as well just in case some apps need them? What a stupid damn attitude to have.
As the reporter from the link above states, when was the last time you atually needed Java?
I think it is much easier to delate present version of Java from one,s PC and download the new one from Java official site, i always do like this, and there is no need to download one extra utility.
Thank you so much for the tip! This little software is really cool.