What version of java do i need

my computer dosnet even have Microsoft Java Virtual Machine.
I may have uninstalled it.But I did unistall the last version of sun java which was jre 1.5.0_05.
Im running Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002 SP1
I just updated to service pack 2

 

You always want to have the latest version.

This should be the latest.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4648

Make sure you uninstall the older one before you install the new one.

 

Yeah, that jre 1.5.0_05 version is old, and contains a number of security holes. Update!

 

I remeber when windows had java with 98, and I switched to XP, and I couldnt play yahoo crib I thought my bored world was gone forever! Hmm, sometimes I wish i had a point..pens have points!

 

How about compilers? Are there any free versions of those, or do they have to be purchased. My boy needs one for school.