But then again, the Java plugins don't require all that. You just have to D/L the plugin installer from Blackdown(easy to find). Matter of Fact I believe [link|http://www.google.com/search?q=Java+2+for+Linux|The First Entry] probably will get you there. The directions available are complete, yet are taciturn. The plugin installation is quite straight forward... you just have to know a few things about your system.

I have 5 different versions of Java installed on the machine in question, which is excessive, but it is done and available

Will Aunt Tilly want all 5? Even if she did, she couldn't on Windows! But she DOES have the ability to have them on Linux/*BSD etc... albeit with some work.

I shared my "solution" with him, cause he asked! It gives him alot of avenues to go forth and wander.

<rant>
'Course you are assuming alot here when you ask your question. When you ask those kind of questions, I have noticed you walk into a "extreme" condition and ask if the average (l)user could handle this. I guess you seem to ignore the fact that this was a sharing of knowledge and you refused to partake in the conversation and declare it useless(to you only). Mainly caused by your inability to have the info soak in and make a difference.
</rant>

Sorry for any insults, but you gotta stop doing that, when it is NOT appropriate. Please look at the whole situation, not just your evaluation of how it applies to you. If it doesn't apply to you or you don't understand what is being discussed, STAY OUT OF IT! or ask questions to explain what or why, but not, if some third-party could comprehend/manage it also.