what verson of java do I need to download for Mac OS X 10.5.8?

Hello, there arent many options, this is the latest available for 10.5.8...

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1359

Since August 2012 updates for Java (and especially Java Runtime Environment, which is what you actually need) must now be downloaded direct from Oracle:

http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jre7-downloads-1637588.h tml

Further information here:

http://www.oracle.com/us/corporate/press/1735645

and their FAQ’s:

http://docs.oracle.com/javase/7/docs/technotes/guides/jweb/mac-faq.html

However, if you need the Jave 6 JRE and plug-in, MadMAC0 has posted at

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4449038?answerId=20107182022#20107182022&ac_cid=tw123456#20107182

Apple has also posted (Oct 22/12) the approved solution for restoring the Java 6 plug-in:

Java for OS X 2012-006: How to re-enable the Apple-provided Java SE 6 applet plug-in and Web Start functionality.

Interesting article here on why Apple removed Mac browsers’ ability to run Jave Applets:

http://www.techweekeurope.co.uk/news/apple-java-browser-mac-os-x-96827