Another alternative is to create an executable
jar by specifying a manifest when you create the
jar. By doing this you do not have to write
a script to execute the java program.
You simply execute 'java -jar yourjar.jar'.
In addition, the manifest lets you specify
any jars that the jar is dependent on at
runtime. This allows you to not have to
be concerned with setting the CLASSPATH
environment variable. This works for all
platforms.

Instead of a .bat file in Linux, you usually create a .sh file; and write a shell script in "bash" or "korn" or "perl" or "php"... depending upon what your command shell is or what scripting languages are installed on your computer.

Make sure to give that file execute permissions when it is installed.

There are TONS of examples of these shell scripts on your Linux installation. Just like you had to learn the DOS scripting language, you should learn "bash" (it's becoming the standard installation shell on Linux). It's not hard; and opens up a whole new world.

Another scripting language usually installed on Linux is Perl. I'm having to learn that right now because my shop is heavy into Perl Scripts.... It is the "swiss army knife" of languages...

Good Luck

Stephen McConnell