Downloading and Installing Eclipse 3.0 and Java 5.0 at Home
Downloading Java 5.0
You can download Java from http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.5.0/download.jsp. You want to download the JDK for Windows, click on Download JDK.
You’ll need to read and accept the agreement to continue downloading. At the next screen (see screen below), you can choose online or offline installation under the Windows Platform. If you have a high-speed connection, like a cable modem or DSL or ResNet, choose online installation. If you have a lower speed connection, choose offline installation and expect the download to take a while. Save the file onto your computer in a location you can remember — usually a download folder inside My Documents. Make sure you notice the name of the file, so that you can find it later for installation.
Installing Java 5.0
At this point, you have the installation program on your computer. Now you need to run it. Go to the folder where you stored the file and double-click on the downloaded file.
You’ll now be taken through a standard set of software installation screens. Again, you’ll need to accept the license agreement to continue. The default setup is fine, so don’t change anything in the Custom Setup window, just click Next.
After Java has completed installation, click finish.
Downloading Eclipse
To download Eclipse, you need to go to the Eclipse download page: http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/index.php. Once there, select the Main Eclipse Download Site.
At this page, you need to select the exact build of Eclipse to download and install. You want the latest release build—giving you the newest features but a relatively stable piece of software to work with. At the moment, that is version 3.0.
Click here.
On the next page, you’ll need to select the exact platform and download method. You probably want to download the Windows version via http.
Click here.
You’ll need to save the resulting file on your computer. As with Java, make sure that you remember where you saved the file and what it is called. Be aware that this download may take a significant amount of time.
Installing Eclipse
Eclipse does not install like most Windows programs. All you have to do is extract all of the Eclipse files into the folder in which you wish to place Eclipse. This extraction can be done using a variety of tools, including the Aladdin Expander provided in the ISU Internet Tools available from the Help Desk. Once you have expanded (or extracted) the Eclipse files, you should have a folder named Eclipse. Inside that folder will be the Eclipse icon, which should be familiar from lab. Double-click on that icon to start running and using Eclipse at home.