›How to Check Your Java Version (MAC)

Summary
This document details how to check the current java version on OS X.  There is no Graphical User Interface for Java on MacOS.

1. Open the Hard Drive

Open the Hard Drive, located on the Desktop

2. Open Applications, then Utilities

With the Hard Drive open, go into Applications, then into Utilities.  With Utilities open, open the Terminal

3. Type java -version and press ENTER

With the Terminal open, type in java -version then press Enter.  Then retrieve the current java version, in this example being 1.6.0_24

If, the command shows that you have Java 7 for OS X (java version "1.7.x_xx), you will want to disable Java 7 and re-enable the Apple-provided Java SE 6 plug-in by following these steps.

Note: You must be logged in as an administrator.

Note: If prompted for your administrator password after a command, enter it and then press the Return or Enter key.

1. Open Terminal, located in the Utilities folder.
    Enter this command, then press the Return or Enter key:

    sudo mkdir -p /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/disabled


     
2. Enter this command, then press the Return or Enter key:

    sudo mv /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/disabled


     
3. Enter this command, then press the Return or Enter key:

    sudo ln -sf /System/Library/Java/Support/Deploy.bundle/Contents/Resources/JavaPlugin2_NPAPI.plugin /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin


     
4. To re-enable Java SE 6 Web Start, enter this command, then press the Return or Enter key:

    sudo ln -sf /System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Commands/javaws /usr/bin/javaws

References: Apple Computer and California State University, Chico