Jan 22

Installing Sun Java (Spring 2004)

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[2008 NOTE: These instructions are for Windows XP and Internet Explorer 6]

What is Java, anyway?

Java is a programming language created by Sun Microsystems. If done well, Java programs (also called applets) can run on almost every computer out in the world: Macs, PCs, cell phones, etc. Java is used at Pellissippi State for Elluminate vClass, WebCT’s Chat and Whiteboard and faculty accessing SIS from home.

Java applets automatically download from the web and run in a Java RunTime Environment. The RunTime Environment is a special area on your computer that is separated from your operating system and other applications. So, Java should stay in its own space (environment) and leave the rest of your stuff alone. There are two major “flavors” of Java:

  • Microsoft’s (which you already have if you own a PC) and
  • Sun’s (which you might not have…yet).

So, why not use the Microsoft VM on my PC?

You certainly can keep using that, if you like. But, recall what we said above: Java applets automatically download and run on your computer. While this is handy..it is also kind of scary when something automatically runs on your computer.

In Microsoft’s version of Java (knows as Java Virtual Machine or JVM), it has some pretty big security problems.

Microsoft’s VM was also going to be no longer supported in September 2004. However, a settlement between Microsoft and Sun was created and Microsoft’s support will continue until 2007.

Sun’s version of Java is newer, more secure and official since Sun did invent Java, after all. That is why we like to use it over Microsoft VM.

Installing Sun Java

The process is very easy. Go to : http://www.java.com/en/index.jsp. Then, click on the big green ” Get It Now ” button and Sun automatically downloads and installs the official Java software your computer. And Sun’s free Java software is available for the PC, Mac, Linux, and (obviously) Sun Solaris. You will probably have to reboot once the new Java software is installed.

What to do about the Microsoft VM?

Uninstalling Microsoft software is probably a bad idea. Something might just “break.” Rather than uninstall, just tell your computer to use the Sun version instead. This is a two part process:

  • Changing settings in Internet Explorer
  • Changing Java settings in the control panel.

image004-2.jpgChanging Browser Settings:

In Internet Explorer,

  1. Go to Tools > Internet Options.
  2. Click on the Advanced tab.
  3. Scroll down to the Java settings and make sure there is a checkmark next to Use Java 2 v1.42 for <applet>
  4. Scroll down Microsoft VM and uncheck everything. [If you don't see the Microsoft VM section, thatÕs fine. There was a time when Windows didn't ship with Microsoft's Java Virtual Machine preinstalled]
  5. Click on OK.

Changing Control Panel Settings:

  1. Open your PC’s control panel.
    (Start > Settings > Control Panel in Win 2K
    Start > Control Panel in XP)

* If you have XP and your Control Panel is a purple page asking you to pick a Category, click on Switch to Classic View in the upper left corner of the page.

  1. Double-click on the Java Control Panel icon. (If you have two Java Control Panel icons, click on purple and red one).
  2. Wait for the control panel to open and click on the browser tab.
  3. Make sure there is a checkmark next to all of the browsers that you use
  4. Click on apply and then close the control panel.
  5. Restart your computer.

Fun and Games with Java:

Secret Worlds: Travel from 10 million light years away into a cell of a leaf and beyond
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/scienceopticsu/powersof10/index.html

International Children’s Digital Library: http://www.icdlbooks.org/

Schedule World: http://www.scheduleworld.com/

Helpful Resources

Microsoft’s page about transitioning from the Microsoft Java Virtual Machine: http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/java/

Sun Microsystem’s Java site: http://www.java.com/en/index.jsp

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