Using alternatives in linux

We use alternatives command to install San Java mozilla plugin. Ofcource this is still low usablity level, but more usable then create simlinks manualy.

1. Download Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE)
2. Run it with administrator permissions, FE:
   #./jre-X-linux-i586-rpm.binCreate simlink, FE:
   #ln -sf /usr/java/latest/plugin/i386/ns7/libjavaplugin_oji.so /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libjavaplugin_oji.so
3. Create a java.sh script:
   

   #gedit /etc/profile.d/java.sh

   Add:
   

     export JAVA_HOME=/usr/java/latest
     export PATH=$JAVA_HOME/bin:$PATH

   #source /etc/profile.d/java.sh
4. Add new java alternative:
   #alternatives --install /usr/bin/java java /usr/java/latest/bin/java 2
5. Choose it from alternatives list:
   #alternatives --config java
   

Couple usefull options:

To remove old alternatives from list if nessasory:

  #alternatives --remove java /opt/jdk1.6.0/bin/java

To display current alternative:

  #alternatives --display java

Ref