What version of Java do I have?

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To figure out which version of Java you have, open up a command prompt, or console, or terminal, or whatever you use on your platform to type commands onto a command-line. Then type:

java -version

and press enter. You should get a response like:

java version "1.5.0_06"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.5.0_06-b05)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.5.0_06-b05, mixed mode, sharing)

The very first line tells you which version of Java is installed. Make sure the version number is 1.5.something or 1.6.something.

If you get a response like:

'java' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

or

bash: java: command not found

check that you typed a space after "java" and before "-version". If you entered the command correctly but still do not get a response indicating a specific version of Java, then Java is not installed, and you need to follow the installation instructions below.

Memory allocation

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Because OBO-Edit2 is a Java application, it cannot use an arbitrary amount of system memory like a native application. Instead, you must set a fixed maximum amount of memory that OBO-Edit2 can use. Unless you have a 64-bit Java Virtual Machine (JVM), Java limits the maximum memory allocation to 1860M (1024M on Windows machines). The OBO-Edit installer will suggest an appropriate memory setting for your computer. You can change the memory setting after installation via OBO-Edit's Configuration Manager or by hand-editing OBO-Edit.vmoptions (located in the OBO-Edit installation directory).

For MacOSX there are three requirements in order to use more than 1860M of main memory for Java:

1. Intel CPU with support for 64-bit
2. MacOS in 64-bit mode

   This is the default for Lion, but on some versions of Snow Leopard, you may need to change this by hand. Here is a guide to getting your 64-bit-capable Mac to boot into 64-bit mode.

   (Sometimes this step is not required to use Java in 64-mode, but OBO-Edit always checks this to prevent you from choosing a memory setting that is too high.)

3. 64-bit Java as default

   To change this, open /Applications/Utilities/Java Preferences and make sure that a 64-bit version of Java is selected as the default for Java Applications.

In some cases, it might be necessary to re-install OBO-Edit, to take advantage of the changed default Java.

Stale files in your configuration directory

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If you had already installed a previous version of OBO-Edit2, your configuration directory may contain stale configuration files that clash with the new version, which can cause problems when you try to run the new OBO-Edit2. For best results, remove (or rename) your OBO-Edit configuration directory before launching the new OBO-Edit2. You can find the name of the directory by opening the Configuration Manager.