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 Java for Windows XP - A Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is not included with Windows XP. However, the Java download Windows XP Service Pack 1 which includes Microsoft's JVM or Sun's own JVM are available to download.
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The Microsoft Java Machine is no longer included as part of Windows operating systems due to legal issues with Sun Microsystems. However, Microsoft's JVM is still supported by Microsoft until December 31st 2007.
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Microsoft's Java Virtual Machine is technology that has been included in some versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer, a component of Microsoft Windows. This technology allows certain types of programs, called Java applications or Java applets, to run on Windows-based computers. However, the Microsoft Java Virtual Machine for Internet Explorer was not included in Windows XP and is now no longer available from Microsoft directly.
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Microsoft JVM
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The Microsoft Java Virtual Machine (JVM) was not included in Windows XP after law suits with Sun Microsystems the original creators of the Java platform (based on Microsoft extending Java with Windows only elements which would prevent use on other vendors JVM's, breaking cross platform compatibility).
In 2001, Sun and Microsoft reached an agreement that while Microsoft would stop shipping products that included a Microsoft-written JVM they could still offer Microsoft Java Virtual Machine users support and security updates until January 2004. That deadline was extended to September, 2004 and this last arrangement between Sun and Microsoft has been extended again, to December 31st 2007.
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The most relevant links we could find, placed here free
 Microsoft
- Advice from Microsoft about support for current users of the Microsoft Java Virtual Machine. www.microsoft.com
Microsoft
- Information from Microsoft relating to updates for their Java Virtual Machine. support.microsoft.com
While this gives Microsoft Java Virtual Machine users the luxury of an extended period of official support, Microsoft is encouraging its customers to upgrade their PCs to JVMs from other providers, such as Sun, which are enhanced with the latest features and bug fixes. The unsupported Microsoft JVM will still work after December 31, 2007 but after this date, any problems found (including potential security issues) will no longer be corrected.
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Microsoft JVM support
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Windows users can check which version of Java they have running on their operating system by opening the Control Panel (be sure to be in Classic View). If you have Java installed, you will see an icon called "Java Plug-in". Open it and click on the About tab and you will see information relating to which version you have installed.
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