Oracle's Java Runtime Environment is a must-have installation. It's required to run several Web-based services and such software as LibreOffice, one of my favorites.

To install it, first launch your default browser (I'm using IE 9 here) and go to java.com. Hit the button for Free Java Download.

On the next screen, click on Agree. Click Start Free Download.

IE 9 asks you to Run, Save, or Cancel. Click on Run. This starts the download.

After the download is complete, click Run again.

When the User Account Control Screen comes up, hit Continue.

When asked if you want to install the Yahoo Toolbar or any other material you might not want, make sure to uncheck it. Click Next.

Accept the license agreement by clicking Install.

During installation, you'll see a series of different applications that take advantage of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE).

You now have JRE installed. A restart of your browser will be required.

When IE 9 restarts, click on the Verify Java Version button.

Congratulations! You now have JRE installed and working successfully.

Joey Kelley is a senior contributor at BYTE. Follow him @sandpvrr, or email him at [email protected].