Software Update: Java 2 Runtime 1.4 RC

Recently an RC of Java 2 Runtime Environment is available in the standard version. wzzrd was kind enough to pass this on. on the page You can find the download links yourself as they are divided by platform. Below is an overview of the changes compared to the previous beta version:

• 64-bit Support for Solaris/SPARCTM is now available in Release Candidate.
  
• New features in Java Foundation Classes/Swing, JavaTM Web Start, JavaTM Plug-in, and internationalization enable rich clients for Web services.
  
• Enhanced connectivity via XML, CORBA, IPv6, and JDBCTM 3.0 technology.
  
  New security features including JavaTM Secure Socket and JavaTM Cryptography extensions, JavaTM Authentication and Authorization Service, Kerberos support, and a Certificate Path API.
  
• High-performance Java 2DTM graphics, new scalable I/O, and Java virtual machine improvements.
  
• New Simple Assertion facility, Logging APIs, and better handling and reporting of low resource conditions and errors make J2SE software the most reliable, available, and serviceable platform for your mission-critical applications and Web services.

In addition to new features, version 1.4 addresses key customer issues and is fully compatible with previous J2SE software releases.