Platform(s): Windows 2000 (SP4+), Windows XP (SP1 SP2), Vista, Windows 2003
Browser(s): Internet Explorer 5.5, Internet Explorer 6.x, Netscape 7, Firefox
JRE version(s): 1.4.2_xx, 1.5.0, 6.0
There are several enhancements that we have added in the latest release of the Java Runtime Environment 6 (JRE 6).
Improved performance and stability.
Better compatibility with previous releases of the JRE.
Important bug fixes have been added.
Applications gain improved look and feel.
Full support for Windows Vista.
Rapid access to critical fixes & updates, with auto-update.
MORE TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Some of the other enhancements that are incorporated in JRE 6 release are as follows:
Cache and System Format
The caching mechanism has been upgraded. Existing applications in the Java Web Start cache will be upgraded and converted to the new cache format the first time you run a Java Web Start application
Download Engine and Cache Consolidation
The caching mechanism and download engine are redesigned and consolidated between Java Web Start and Java Plug-in. This brings several new features to Java Web Start, previously available only in Java Plug-in and vice versa. They are:
Caching can be disabled using the Java Control Panel.
Java Web Start honors the maximum cache size set using Java Control Panel.
Java Web Start can start a cleanup thread to remove Least Recently Used(LRU) items from the cache when approaching the maximum cache size.
The no-cache directive is now supported. When the no-cache directive is used, an update check is made to make sure the cached contents are same as at the URL. The resource is then downloaded into the cache and the expiration field is ignored.
The expiration-date is supported. If a downloaded resource contains an expiration date, it will not be used after that date.
Secure Versioning
In JRE 6 unsigned Java Web Start applications that specify a version other than the current one will trigger a security warning, requiring explicit user permission before the application will run. Signed Java Web Start applications are not affected.
Other Enhancements
Java Web Start and Java Plug-in now support CRL (Certificate Revocation Lists) and OCSP (Online Certificate Status Protocol) for verifying the certificates.
Java Control Panel provides an option to select the default SSL handshaking protocol. The default is set to SSLv3 and SSLv2. You can also change it to TSL.
The Java Console is excluded from modality. By using the new modality features of AWT in JRE 6, you can interact with Java Console even when your application is displaying a modal dialog.
All dialogs and screens of Java Web Start and Java Plug-in are redesigned to be more user friendly, intuitive, and accessible.
NEED MORE HELP?
If you require further assistance, please make sure you check through our
Help and FAQ sections thoroughly. We probably have a page that answers your question.
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