GeoServer runs on the Java geoserver platform. This section covers the installation of the Java Development Kit (JDK) that is necessary to run GeoServer.
Navigate to the workshop software directory.
Run the Java Development Kit installer by double-clicking on the file named jdk-1_5_0_14-windows-i586-p.exe, or alternatively by right-clicking on the file and selecting Open.
Note
Running GeoServer requires a Java Development Kit (JDK), not just a Java Runtime Environment (JRE).
Running the Java installer
Accept the License Agreement and click Next.
Reviewing the Java license agreement
On the Custom Setup screen, disable the Public JRE feature and click Next.
Note
A JRE is often installed by other applications on the system. To prevent a conflict the Public JRE option should be disabled.
Disabling the public Java Runtime Environment
Exit the installer by clicking Finish.
Certain applications such as GeoServer rely on the existence of an environment variable named JAVA_HOME in order to run. This environment variable points to the Java installation on the system. This section covers the task of defining the JAVA_HOME environment variable.
On the desktop right-click the My Computer:guilabel: icon.
Opening My Computer properties from the desktop
Note
Depending on the Windows configuration the My Computer icon may only exist in the Start Menu.
Opening My Computer properties from the start menu
Open the Advanced:guilabel: tab and click the Environment Variables button.
Adding an environment variable
In the Environment Variables:guilabel: dialog click the New button and define a new variable called “JAVA_HOME” that points to the JDK installed in the previous section.
Defining the JAVA_HOME environment variable
Click OK to add the JAVA_HOME variable, and then OK to close the Environment Variables dialog.
At this point Java is installed on the system. To verify the installation and configuration of the JAVA_HOME variable start a windows command line and execute the following command:
%JAVA_HOME%\bin\java -version
The command should return output similar to the following:
java version "1.5.0_21"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.5.0_21-b01)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.5.0_21-b01, mixed mode, sharing)
If it does not Java is not installed correctly on the system.