Setting up Java: Installing the Java Development Kit (JDK)

Before we jump into coding let's learn how to install the Java Development Kit (JDK) because you cannot code without an SDK (Software Development Kit), JDK in the case of Java.

Follow these steps:

Downloading the JDK

a) Google "jdk" and follow the first result (oracle.com). Alternatively directly goto http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk7-downloads-1880260.html

b) Look for Java SE Development Kit and download the Windows x86 version (if you have 32 bit Windows) or the Windows x64 version (if you have 64 bit Windows) by accepting the license agreement.

Installing the JDK

a) Open the downloaded file which may be named something like jdk-7u25-windows-i586.exe

b) Follow the simple instructions of the Windows Installer to install JDK (i.e. simply clicking Next on each Window)

c)  After the installation is completed go to C:\Program Files\Java\ (or C:\Program Files(x86)\Java\) and check if there is a folder name starting something like jdk1.7.0 (jdk1.7.0_25 in my case)

d) If the above mentioned folder exists you've successfully installed JDK.

P.S. : If you don't know about 32 bit and 64 bit architecture then download the x86 version of JDK.

Add your favorite Softwares and links to your Desktop Context Menu (Right Click Menu)

You keep your favorite programs and links on your desktop, pinned to your taskbar but what if you like or use something as frequently as your right click? Everyone would want to add their favorite programs to their Right Click (Context) Menu on your desktop.

Edit your Context Menu

Windows does not normally have an option to add or delete entries from the right click menu but there is always a way.

There are two ways to do the same :
a) Use FContext Tweaker. (Very easy)
b) Use Registry Editor. (A bit advanced)

Let us go by the easy one for now (advanced will be discussed in some later post). Here are the steps:

a) Download FContext Tweaker from http://sourceforge.net/projects/fcontexttweaker/ (Only about 1.2 MB)

b) Open the downloaded software.

c) Go to Tweak > Desktop Context Menu > Add Custom Items.

Tweak > Desktop Context Menu > Add Custom Items

d) In the Add Program tab click on the '...' button next to Command.

Add Custom Items

e) Browse for the Executable (.exe) file of your favorite application.

f) Click on '...' near Icon and browse for the Icon file (.ico) only if you want to add a custom icon (leave whatever comes in that field if you want to use the default icon of the program).

g) In the Text enter the name that you want to see for your favorite program.

h) In Position select the Position (Top, Center or Bottom) according to your pref.

i) Tick on the Extended <Shift+Click> if you want the program to appear only when you right click the desktop while pressing Shift Key.

j) Click on Add Program button and your program will be added successfully. 

Click Add Program

Item added successfully.

See the added 'Music Player' Option

HOW TO REMOVE AN ADDED PROGRAM:

a) Go to Tweak > Desktop Context Menu > Current Items.

b) Select the Program you want to remove from the list and click the Delete Button to delete it.

Deleting Item

P.S.: FContext Tweaker is tested on Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.