JavaRa is a very simple utility that lets you update and remove older versions of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) with just a single click.
There's nothing too difficult about JavaRa and that's most likely the reason why it doesn't include a help file because both beginners and more experienced users should be able to get along with the app quite fast.
The main window is just minimal and comprises only four buttons, letting you “Search for Updates”, “Remove Older Versions”, view “Additional Tasks” or access the “About” screen.
If you wish to search for updates, there are two different options, to update JRE using the built-in jucheck.exe system or update using Sun Java's website. Both worked okay during our test, so it doesn't really matter which one you choose, just make sure you have an active Internet connection.
The “Remove Older Versions” button does exactly what it says, but Windows 7 users must run the program as administrator to be able to uninstall the program.
As for the additional tasks, here you can remove useless JRE files that take unnecessary space on your computer, remove the startup entry that may slow down your system, remove the Sun download manager, open JavaRa logfile to check for errors, remove Java Console Extention and delete Java IE BHO.
Of course, you don't need a super machine to run this tiny application, but an Internet connection is mandatory to be able to update Java Runtime Environment.
As a conclusion, this is one of the simplest ways to deal with Java, and since it's free and runs on very low computer resources, it can easily become a must-have for many computer users out there.
What's New in This Release:
· Fixed issue where main buttons became un-clickable for non-English users.
· A results dialog is now shown after removal routine.
· Progressbar now increases more consistently.
· Credits/Help links now open in web browser.
· Fixed “program settings” preservation issue.
· Corrected typo’s in English language file.
· Program now produces a log file of removed items and errors.
· Can now output untranslated strings.