Where to Install Programs?

[deutsixfive]

I was installing Java, and they wanted to install it in the /opt directory. However, that's not on the default path, so my options are:
1. Add another directory to the path
2. Create a symbolic or hard link from /usr/local to the Java install directory
3. Reinstall Java in /usr/local
It sounds like to me that (3) is the best option, what do you guys think? If I add another directory to the path I could clutter up my path...

[Cabhan]

I'd just add the directory to your path. It's perfectly acceptable to do that.

just add the line:

PATH=$PATH:/opt/java/bin

to your ~/.bashrc