using ferora 4
trying to install the java plugin

jre-1_5_0_06-linux-i586.bin

machine says
To open the file, rename the file to the correct extension for "shell script", then open the file normally

so what is the correct extention to get this to install?

Actually, those instructions are for Windows. Linux does not go by extensions. You can do one of the two ways to start installing JAVA.

1) Change the mode to 750 and type ./jre-1_5_0_06-linux-i586.bin at a terminal.
2) sh jre-1_5_0_06-linux-i586.bin

The second way is safer because it will force sh to run it. The first way is not as safe because you are at the mercy of what interpreter that Suns Microsystems have picked to run it.

Since you are using fedora, you could try installing it via YUM.

Heres how I get it to work (all instructions here on are to be executed as root ).
1. Move the .bin file to /opt/
2. At opt/ do chmod +x on the jre-1_5_0_06-linux-i586.bin
3. Execute the bin by doing ./jre-1_5_0_06-linux-i586.bin

Now, you mention you need the plugin Im assuming for your favorite browser. What you use? Firefox? Konq?

For Firefox do the following at your favorite terminal:
If you are using Konq then you have to go to Konq's configuration->Java & Javascript and at the path to executable enter /opt/jre1.5.0_06/bin/java

And thats that.

Thank you
got it now
one of those "get the beast working" newbie questions

so much to learn so little CPU