Java is everywhere! Almost every piece of electronic equipment in the world uses Java technologies. If that's not impressive, think that billions of PCs, mobile phones, Blu-ray players, printers, medical devices, car navigation systems, web cams or even lottery terminals.

Java enables developers to create software on one platform (Java Platform) and provide it to users running almost any other platform (Windows, Mac, Linux, Solaris or Unix). Java also allows the execution of Web applications and services. Behind this highly customizable and powerful platform stands the Java programming language.

The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) brings the Java platform to your PC within seconds from starting the installation process. While Java sits patiently on the computer, it instantly acts when called upon. And that happens more often than you may think of. Whether you play online games or chat with your friends, Java is running in the background making sure you have an enjoyable experience.

Oracle's platform also features a Control Panel that can be easily accessed within your computers (oh, well!) Control Panel. It allows the configuration of network and temporary Internet files settings or security certificates. You can also manage the settings of the JRE and access more advanced functions such as Debugging, Java console, Default Java for Browsers, Java Plug-in, JavaFX runtime, JRE Auto-Download or Security.

The thing that sits at the core of the Java Platform is the Java Virtual Machine. Its sole purpose is the execution or Java bytecode programs that uses a JIT compiler to translate these programs into instructions while caching the code in memory. This makes Java applications able to run on multiple platforms while having to warm up a bit until the loading process is completed.

The Java Runtime Environment is also meant to be distributed by developers alongside their main Java application. This way, they make sure that you will be able to run their Java-written programs. If you don't have it by now, you better get it. You'll be joining an ever-growing number of users that use Java technologies while working on their PCs. JRE is a must-have!