Oh i see.

I too am using w7, i just thought that windows way was optional, you could choose to bypass it and use Netbeans to compile - "We recommend using the NetBeans IDE instead of the command line whenever possible"

I tried re-installing but not yet at new location. I'll try your suggestion too.

__________________
All generalizations are dangerous.

there are 32 bit & 64 bit versions of javac, which may be the reasons for your install problems on windows7 as I had no problems?

Windows 7 will run both so maybe the 32 bit version might be better.

thorns,

It will be here when you get back. I'll monitor the threads for people who start late

shaun, Youngbuck,

If you get issues with "'javac' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file".

It means that the environment path has not been setup correctly. To fix this find the directory that hs javac.exe in it (it will be in your JDK directory\bin).

Go to the control panel in windows and go to System. Half way down you should see something about Computer Name, Workstation, etc. There is a change setting sbutton here. Click that and another screen opens. Go To advanced. Click on Environment Variables. In the bottom section you should see an entry called Path. Edit this entry and add in the directory where you found the javac.exe file.

For example my path currently is:

%SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\Sy stem32\Wbem;C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\ULEADS~1\MPEG;c:\ Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Tools\binn\;C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTSystem\;C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 5.1\bin;C:\Program Files\IEInspector\HTTPAnalyzerFullV6\;%SYSTEMROOT% \System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\

If javac.exe was in c:\java\bin\javac.exe I would change the above to be:

%SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\Sy stem32\Wbem;C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\ULEADS~1\MPEG;c:\ Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Tools\binn\;C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTSystem\;C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 5.1\bin;C:\Program Files\IEInspector\HTTPAnalyzerFullV6\;%SYSTEMROOT% \System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\;c:\java\bin\


Notice the use of ; to seperate the directory paths. You may need to restart windows to pick it up (sometimes you don't). It should then find javac from any directory.

Most of the time we will be using netbeans to do the compiling so even if ou can't find javac on the command line that is ok. As long as netbeans can compile a program you will be fine.

As far as 32 bit vs 64 bit. I would stick with 32 bit as I find 64 bit applications usually have compatibility issues. But if you installed 64 bit thats ok.

My Computer is probably too Old and lacking in stuff needed to run these Netbeans.

I installed the Programs and was doing the suggested HelloWorld App.

I got up to where it said to replace a line where it wrote "Todo something or rather" and type in "Hello World".

I was mucking about tryying to delete the line and the program locked up.
So I closewd the program and tried reopening but it seems the program wasn't saved prior to the lockup.

I figure I need to try again, but got annoyed and an gonna do tonights dogs and have a play again maybe tomorrow.

If it weren't so slow I woulda persevered.
When I did reOpen, it suggested I may have a virus or something.
I wouldn't be surprised because I have been visiting a few porn sited lately.]
Them Free Peep shows sure are addictive

I havent had any problems with Netbeans (on Vista). When I downloaded there was an option to download the Java & Netbeans in one bundle, so I went for that option.

But my laptop will be crashing anytime soon, i can sense it. Since the weekend it freezes constantly, I have to do emergency shutdown & reboot 3 or 4 times a night & and thats just in the 2-3 hrs i have since i come home from work. I've tried downloading new drivers etc, but still the same.

Back on topic, today i got some info in the mail about a certain racing database, been around since the 80's. I was interested, until i saw the price, lol. Almost 3 grand each year, add another $1100 for some back data to kick you off & another $660 for data updates, almost 5 grand. Just have to perservere & learn to DIY.

footnote: I'll need that cash for a new pc anyway

As per most IDE's they can be a bit memory intensive.

An alternate IDE to use that is not as memory intensive is eclipse. I only recommend netbeans as it is slightly easier to use especially if you want to make a GUI (graphical user interface) for your application.

Eclipse is less memory intensive and is my preffered IDE to use but it will be a lot more complicated to use for first time coders.

But if you find netbeans keeps locking then install the latest Eclispe version and use that instead.

I only run Windows XP.
I might possibly Upgrade one day to Vista, but only if forced to for some unforeseen reason.

So do I need this Netbeans thing?
If Eclipse is okay then it appears that Netbeans ain't essential.
But do I actuall need an IDE? (whatever that is , I thought it was something to do with hard drives, First IDE , Second IDE )
Is it necessary to have this IDE thing and follow this thread ?
Or is it all exactly the same if I only have the JDK 6 Program installed?