Java Plug in

Hello tech/noyds !!
I downloaded Netscape 7.1, but it won’t run Java Applets without the “plugin.” Which is an improvement over the 7.1 of a year ago.. at least it dials up when I click the icon.
Sun wants $40, Netscape wants the same. Does anyone know the specific website to get the plugin so I can open a file in Netscape 7.1 and run a Java applet that will have “live” buttons that will connect to the programmed links in the html file ?
You know what I’m talkin’ bout !!
asjwm2