Java SE General FAQs

This collection of general FAQs about the Java Platform, Standard Edition, provides brief answers to the most common questions about the technology. It also links to more detailed information available from this web site.

Other FAQs are listed within the Technologies sections, although we provide a quick link below.

» View all Java technology Frequently Asked Question (FAQs).

Overview

Oracle Java SE Advanced and Oracle Java SE Suite - commercial binaries available only through Oracle - - give customers enterprise features that minimize the costs of deployment and maintenance of their Java-based IT environment. These commercial binaries are based on the free Java Standard Edition (Java SE) and supports Java SE releases from J2SE 1.4.2 through the current releases of Java SE 6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Java still free and open source?

The current version of Java - Java SE 6 - is free and available for redistribution for general purpose computing. Java SE continues to be available under the Oracle Binary Code License (BCL) free of charge. JRE use for embedded devices and other computing environments may require a license fee from Oracle. Read more about embedded use of Java SE or contact your local Oracle sales representative to obtain a license

Why does Oracle have a commercial binary version of Java SE?

As the Java platform grew inside mission-critical systems and enterprise-scale desktop deployments, customers requested specific manageability and monitoring functionality, which Oracle developed into a set of binaries, now called Oracle Java SE Advanced and Oracle Java SE Suite. Through the Oracle Java SE Support program, enterprises can access updates and additional system configurations for EOL'd versions: Java SE 1.4.2 and Java SE 5.

Customers with in-house applications need continued access to critical fixes. ISVs and partners who wish to extend the life of the Java applications they distribute on new operating environments, hardware configurations and browsers.

What releases of Java technology are currently available?

The Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE) and Oracle Java SE Advanced and Oracle Java SE Suite are currently shipping from Oracle in the form of the Java Development Kit (JDK), and Java Runtime Environment (JRE). The current releases of the software and links to older versions are available from Java SE Advanced and Suite download page and the Java SE download page.

What does Java SE Support offer?

In addition to Oracle's award-winning, 24x7 support program, Java SE Support offers access to expanded system configurations via the Oracle Technical Network:

Standard Oracle support for Java SE
- 24x7, 27 language email and phone support
- Immediate support for mission critical apps
Pro-active email notification and access to security updates
Direct access to updates My Oracle Support (MOS)
Rigorous and on-going regression testing and fixes for end-of-life (EOL'd) versions of Java SE
Revisions, interim releases that contain critical updates – enabling customers to have a longer transition period to newer releases

How is Oracle Java SE Advanced and Oracle Java SE Suite different from free Java SE?

Oracle Java SE Advanced and Oracle Java SE Suite have some features that are not available in the free version. – See Table 1.1 for more information.

What type of Java SE support is available today?

The Java SE support roadmap is published on OTN.

How is Java SE Support priced?

Java SE Support is priced either by NUP (Named User Plus) or per processor. It is available on the Oracle global pricelist. This program is a replacement for Java for Business (JFB). In the new program, Java SE Advanced and Oracle Java SE Suite, the service will be sold separately, as a percentage of the commercial license.

Is a separate support contract needed for JavaFX?

No. JavaFX is part of the technologies covered under Oracle Java SE Support.

What are the Supported System Configurations?

Each release of Oracle Java SE Advanced and Oracle Java SE Suite supports the same system configurations as the corresponding Java SE release. Additional supported system configurations will be added based on customer requirements. For the latest supported system configurations, including Operating System version, Hardware Platforms, Desktop Managers and browser, refer to:

Java SE 7 Supported Systems Configurations

Java SE 6 Supported Systems Configurations

Java SE 5 Supported Systems Configurations
Java SE 1.4.2 Supported Systems Configurations

JavaFX 2 Suported System Configurations

What are the Key Product Lifecycle dates?

Oracle Java releases have a defined roadmap that is approximately 3 years from the initial release. During this lifetime, Oracle makes product updates available on the Java download site. After the third year, ongoing releases can be obtained through Java SE Support - see Oracle Support Policies for complete details.

Are the latest update releases and revisions compatible with earlier update releases and the initial product family release?

Oracle performs rigorous internal testing (regression, functionality and stability) to ensure the quality and compatibility of family update releases. Oracle intends and expects Java SE update releases to be upgradeable by customers without regressions.

Where can I get information on licensing?

Java SE continues to be available under the Binary Code License (BCL) with no additional cost for its use. Java SE commercial binaries are provided under separate but similar licensing terms. A summary of the Java SE and Java SE Advanced and Oracle Java SE Suite licensing terms is provided here.

What is the Redistribution Policy for Java SE?

The Java SE platform binaries (JDK and JRE) are licensed under Oracle's Binary Code License (BCL) with supplemental terms. Both the Java SE JDK and JRE can be freely redistributed with value-add (per terms of the BCL). In addition, personal computer manufacturers and distributors may become authorized to pre-install the JRE on Windows operating system-based personal computers. Oracle Java SE Advanced and Oracle Java SE Suite are not available for redistribution.

Can I use Oracle's Java technology logos?

Oracle does not authorize the use of the Java platform logo, also called the "steaming cup" or Java Technology Logo. However, there are a number of logo usage programs available. For more information about this, please see our Licensed Logos page.

What are the trademark guidelines?

Oracle's Trademark and Logo Usage Requirements are listed on this page.

Where do I report a bug or RFE?

In the event that a product family update or revision introduces any regression from earlier behavior, customers are encouraged to report the problem to Oracle immediately and we will make our best efforts to resolve the issue promptly. Java SE support customers can report a bug through My Oracle Support so that we can work towards resolution of the issue.

What Resources are freely available so I can troubleshoot on my own?

Please see the list of resources available in the Support Option website pages.

How do I send comments to the Java SE technology product teams?

Feedback forums and websites are available for your product-specific comments.

Commercial Features in Java SE Product Editions

Feature	Oracle Java SE Advanced	Oracle Java SE Suite
Profiling and Diagnostics
Oracle JRockit Flight Recorder (1)	Y	Y
Oracle JRockit Mission Control Console observability (2)	Y	Y
Oracle JRockit Mission Control Memory Leak Detector observability (3)	Y	Y
JRE Usage Tracking	Y	Y
Extreme Low Latency
Oracle JRockit Real Time, Deterministic GC	N	Y
Desktop
JRE Installer Auto-Update Off	Y	Y

(1) These features include configuration options, command line tools, APIs, protocols and the JMX MBeans under oracle.jrockit.management and bea.jrockit.management to enable observation of a running JVM and require Oracle Java SE Advanced or Oracle Java SE Suite licenses for the computer running the observed JVM.

(2)Example: A company has 10 servers with the Oracle JRockit Flight Recorder enabled that are being monitored from four workstations. The company needs Oracle Java SE Advanced or Oracle Java SE Suite licenses for the 10 servers, but not for the four client workstations.

(3)Example: A company is using a third-party JMX tool to monitor their application. They only access MBeans in the javax.management package and their own custom MBeans. No commercial license is required.