I think Java app is the only way for downloading patches now. I am also reluctant to use such java pieces to download anything but it seems there is no other choice here however it worked fine with me and I found all the selected patches downloaded.
Also I have not tried the "update manager" feature of VC 2.5 yet. Probably that is another way of downloading patches.
Thanks.
Jitendra Kumar
MCSE 2003, VCP, CCNA, ITIL Foundation
VCP, MCSE 2003, MCITP Enterprise Admin, CCNA, ITIL Foundation, Netapp NS0-153 (Storage Networking)
Personal Website - http://www.virtualizationtrainings.com, http://www.hillsindia.com