First Adobe released its first alpha of a 64-bit Flash plugin for Linux, and now Sun has stepped up - providing a 64-bit Java plugin. This time, however, Windows users haven't been left out in the cold.

Java SE 6 update 12 is now available through Sun's Early Access Program, and there are downloads for both Linux and Windows platforms. It's been a long time coming (as you can see in the screenshot), and the release is another welcome piece of news for users of 64-bit operating systems.

Interestingly enough, Sun's own Solaris OS won't be running the plugin until a 64-bit version of Firefox is available.

If you're still using a 32-bit browser as well, you'll still need the 32-bit version of the plugin installed.

[ via Phoronix ]