Java for Linux

Im running Backtrack2 within VMware player which is Linux based. I Installed a program that requires Java Runtime Environment. Went to the java site that it redirected me to. Downloaded the self extracting file and saved it to the desktop within Backtrack2. I am a complete newby when it comes to Linux and there are 8 steps to follow in order to install JRE. The instructions given from the site are confusing as hell to me. Can anyone give me some lamen linux instructions on how to install JRE?