Which version of Java should I use for Minecraft?

What version of java do I need for minecraft and how would I install it I've been to multiple forums but can't figure it out.

You can install OpenJDK by pressing this link. After, open Minecraft with right-click in Minecraft.jar > Open with > OpenJDK Java 7 Runtime.

If it's still not working, press this link, and do the same as before.

I am running minecraft on 12.04 by following these steps:

A. Open a terminal, and enter

sudo apt-get purge openjdk*

This is a "housekeeping" step that may or may not apply to your setup.

B. Install OpenJDK6 or OpenJDK7 from the Ubuntu Software Center.

C. I prefer following the instructions to install minecraft found at http://debianhelp.wordpress.com/2012/05/22/how-to-install-minecraft-on-ubuntu-12-04-lts/.

It neatly integrates launching the game into Unity, and it opens like any other application (so no right-clicking to run the file). Only follow the last two steps in the tutorial ("Download and untar installation bash script" and "To install Minecraft Client").

D. After installing everything, I would recommended you update the LWJGL files using the link and instructions found at http://www.minecraftwiki.net/wiki/Tutorials/Update_LWJGL (essentially what Minecraft uses for graphics, sound, and input).

This update should prevent some common issues that bugged me (i.e., sound cutting out while running the game). CAUTION: be sure to back up the files you're updating with the new LWJGL files, just in case.