Can legacy Java be installed on Sierra?

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Level 1

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Can legacy Java be installed on Sierra?

I'm trying to take an on-line course at Indiana University. They use a program call Sci2, which requires an older version of Java (Java 6, I believe). I know Apple supplies a link to download legacy versions for a number of OS versions, except Sierra. I have also read somewhere that Sierra specifically blocks the installation of older versions of Java. I think Sci2 is looking for a 32-bit version of Java.

Since installing Sierra, I had to trash my copy of Illustrator CS6, and haven't found a way to get it running yet.

iMac, macOS Sierra (10.12.4), 21-inch, 2012 model

Posted on May 11, 2017 12:52 PM

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Answer 1

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,306 points

May 11, 2017 1:31 PM in response to inspiredmac

Apple Java for stand alone Applications like Adobe Creative Suite can be download here and will run in Sierra, which does not insure legacy applications will run in Sierra, just the Java will.

Download Java for OS X 2015-001

Java for web based applications can be found here, and information regarding support for newer instances on OS X/Mac OS with older Oracle Java is available here as well.

https://java.com/en/download/faq/java_mac.xml

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Answer 2

inspiredmac Author

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30 points

May 11, 2017 1:33 PM in response to JimmyCMPIT

Does installing the legacy version overwrite the current version of Java? I believe I'm currently running 8x, versus the legacy version which would be v6.

Has anyone installed the legacy version for, say, El Capitan, and tried to run Adobe Illustrator CS6?

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Answer 3

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,306 points

May 11, 2017 1:58 PM in response to inspiredmac

Not sure with the Oracle Java 6,7,8 but you need the Apple Java to run the Adobe Apps. Oracle Java is for web based apps and I think you can have multiple versions on one system but don't quote me on that.

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Answer 4

inspiredmac Author

Level 1

30 points

May 11, 2017 3:18 PM in response to JimmyCMPIT

That's what worries me. Some time ago, Apple stated they would no longer support legacy java after El Capitan. In fact, I've tried to download the legacy java from Apple, and my system has halted the installation.

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Answer 5

inspiredmac Author

Level 1

30 points

May 12, 2017 11:47 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT

Great read. Thanks, Jimmy.

I knew about the System Preferences override. The worry I have is that the old Java 6 might overwrite the current Java 8, and Sierra isn't compatible with the legacy version. Apple only supported the legacy version up to El Capitan. I can still run Photoshop, though it seems a little sluggish, and I've compensated for most of my Adobe products by switching to Affinity Photo and Affinity Design.

This exercise was prompted by my desire to take a data visualization course that, unfortunately, uses software that requires Java 6 to run.

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