My computer won't recognize javac as a valid command. Is it a Java issue, or the command prompt?

You need to add the Java bin directory to your %PATH% variable. Step 1: Find the Java installation directory, and find the bin directory Step 2: Copy the address Step 3: Open "Computer" from the Start Menu and click "System Properties" Step 4: Click "Advanced System Settings", and click "Environment Variables..." Step 5: Scroll down under "System Variables" until you see "Path" Step 6: Select "Path" and press "Edit". Paste the address at the start, and then append a semicolon (;) Step 7: Save, and you are done! Restart Command Prompt, and all should work