Follow these instructions if Java 1.5 is not installed or not the default version of Java on your Mac.

1. Make sure that OS X version 1.4 or greater is installed.
2. Is Java 1.5 installed? Open a Terminal window, and type the following:

   ls -l /System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Versions

   If 1.5 is among the versions listed, then the correct version is already installed. If not, then obtain (and install) Java 1.5 from Apple Support.

3. Configuration Step 1:   set your Java Preferences.

   From the Finder, open Applications->J2SE5.0->Java Preferences.app.   Here you can set Java 1.5 as your default web start version. When the Java Preferences window appears, choose these settings:

   • Use version: J2SE 5.0
   • Java Application Runtime Settings:   make sure that J2SE 5.0 is on top.
4. Test your installation with this small web start program.

5. Configuration Step 2:   update your Java Version Path.

   Please beware! If the 'sudo' command is new to you, do not attempt this command -- instead seek help from your systems administrator. These operations are discussed here and here.)

   
   	# find out what 'CurrentJDK' symlink points to
   
   	  cd /System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Versions
   	  ls -l
   
   	# if it is pointing to 1.4, then remove that symlink
   
   	  sudo rm CurrentJDK
   
   	# recreate the symlink, but now have it point to version 1.5.0
   
   	  sudo ln -s 1.5.0 CurrentJDK
   	

6. Test this change in a Terminal shell:

    java -version 

   It should now report version 1.5 or greater.