set up env var - GNOME issue

Edit .bash_profile and enter:
export JAVA_HOME=/usr/java/jdkxxxx

The problem is that .bash_profile isn't executed when starting a terminal through Gnome.

The solution is:

* Option a gnome terminal window
* Click on Edit / Current Profile
* Click on the Title and Command tab
* Check the box labeled "Run command as a login shell"

And thereafter, any new terminal you create will execute .bash_profile.