If all you need is the runtime environment, you can install this from dag's repository (dag.wieers.com/home-made/j2re/ install instructions for the repo at http://dag.wieers.com/home-made/apt/FAQ.php#B4 )
I found an error 404 while accessing the first link.
The first url I provided was off the top of my head, which appears to be incorrect. Sorry about that. It should have been http://dag.wieers.com/packages/j2re/
But why would I need to uninstall the existing rpm, if it is gonna work good? If it not, I will surely get it working by following dag's method.
The java rpm gives you a basic java install, but as you've already discovered, it's not immediately functional. In addition, it doesn't do much in the way of setting up a java environment for the user. Dag's rpm generates a java.desktop file which provides you with a link in menus, as well as an icon to click for java access. It sets the path appropriately, updates mime-types and provides a browser plugin which essentially gives you a warm fuzzy java runtime installation that requires almost no setup. This is why for new users, normal users and people who don't need the java development pack to use dag's packages.
Java is good software, but it's packaging is some of the worst I've seen, and is designed to be installed by administrators, not the average user. this is why dag, jpackage and others have repackaged it.
What you have installed WILL work, it just will take some configuring. I recommended dag's packaging as a way for you to get up and running quickly with a good setup, not to say that yours would not work.
Moreover, i also need to configure my yum. I have been working with apt (In Debian) a lot, and this yum is quite new to me.
In which case you'll probably want to add dag's repository anyway for things like mplayer, dvd software, xmms-mp3, and a whole host of other useful packages.
I find that with dag's repository, and the extras rebuild provided at http://centos.karan.org I can usually find nearly everything I need.
-- Jim Perrin System Administrator - UIT Ft Gordon & US Army Signal Center