How to Read a JAR File

ZIP Software

1. Install ZIP decompression software. Recent versions of Windows are capable of opening ZIP files without additional software. If you need software you can download Winzip, a shareware decompression program for Windows, or MacZip, a similar program for Mac (see Resources).

2. Rename the extension of your JAR file from .JAR to .ZIP

3. Double-click the file to open it and view its contents.

Java Software

4. Navigate your web browser to the Java download website to obtain the latest version of the Java runtime environment (see Resources).

5. Click on the red button that says 'Free Java Download' and then click on the red button that says 'Agree and Start Free Download.' This will open a download window on your screen.

6. Click 'Save file.' This will download the Java runtime environment installer to your computer.

7. Double-click the installation file that you downloaded. This will install Java onto your computer, allowing you to run Java programs in your web browser.

8. Double-click on your JAR file to execute the file in your Java-enabled web browser.