JavaRa is a simple tool that does a simple job: it removes old and redundant versions of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). And it removes some log files and temporary files that JRE leaves behind.

Java software in general and the Java JRE in particular allow you to run applications called ‘applets’ that are written in the Java programming language. You probably have Java JRE installed on your computer because these applets allow you to play online games, chat with people around the world, calculate your mortgage interest, view images in 3D, as well as many others.

As with all software, the JRE is updated on a regular basis. Updates are necessary to add new functionalities, to remove programming bugs or to repair possible vulnerabilities.

Usually older versions of programs are removed during the install of new versions but Sun (the owner of Java) has somehow decided not to do this. The result is that a number of different versions of the JRE may exist on your computer. These older versions potentially pose a threat to your sense of security due to the possible vulnerabilities or security holes that may exist in them.

Java advises users to always have the latest version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). The latest version is always the recommended version because it contains updates and improvements to previous versions of the JRE. The latest available version is always compatible with the older versions.

But they also tell you that you can keep older versions of the JRE installed, in case you have an applet or an application that still depends upon a previous version. But this warning is quite useless as all applets and applications should be kept updated to ensure a maximum level of safety and security.

Downloadable here.

[31mar08] JavaRa updated to version 1.01

- [Added] Small GUI-changes

[02apr08] JavaRa updated to version 1.02

- [Added] Cleaning feature of old JRE-files (log files and temp files)

[03apr08] JavaRa updated to version 1.03

- [Added] New button 'Clean Useless Files'

- [Added] New button 'About'

- [Added] Cleaning of Java .ERR files

- [Added] Feature in JavaRa that tells which JRE folders were deleted

Welcome back fred, good to see you.

Have you tried this program? It sounds useful.

Hi Tarun,

Thanks for feeling me welcome.

Not only did I try the program, it was my idea in the first place and I found in Paul (prm753) McLain a perfect partner. It works very well and we have various features in mind that we well add in future versions.

JavaRa 1.04 is expected to be released this coming weekend.

Oh, so I take it you're a part of the development team?

I'll definitely be testing this program in the future. :hmm:

Heh. We ARE the development team. Paul and myself. :hmm:

[14apr08] JavaRa updates to version 1.04.

Changes:

- [Added] Options window

- [Added] Donate button

- [Added] Option to remove jusched.exe startup entry

- [Added] Removal of JRE files in the Temp folder

- [Added] Removal of JRE versions older than 1.6.0

- [Added] Alternate way to update the Java JRE

- [Added] New Update JRE Dialog

- [Added] Option to update JavaRa

- [Added] Command line switch: -runsilent

- [Fixed] Problems with removing certain JRE folders

- [Added] Removal of JRE registry values and keys

Oh god damnit, I needed this tool today and searched everywhere for it and forgot it was right here at Lunarsoft. I knew I'd seen it somewhere, I had just forgotten its name.

Just tried it out - even though I religiously uninstall old Java versions, and clean the Registry, etc, JavaRa found and cleaned out a bunch of remains. Looks like every Java version ever installed left stuff behind. Glad you posted this, I like to keep a clean machine.

I was also glad to see that the update check takes you to the Sun Developer Network site, where the new versions appear first - not to Java.com, where they show up days later. Nice.

nice!

i didn't think i would have so much java junk left over from the last uninstall when i upgraded to a newer version on my vista machine.