Java and the Mac
(Topic Initiator Lost in Transit)I'm curious if one of you know why as a Mac user, Java, as opposed to JavaScript, is such a problem for Macs? Many sites that use Java slow my machine down so much I can't use many of the site features - and it's made me loath to include any Java in any site I design. Does one need a minimum 200 megaherz processor to work with Java enabled sites? more than a 28.8 modem? Or is it a platform issue?
1 of 10
Simon Mills (simon mills, 3/2/99 11:28:41 AM)Hi Christy,
Early java implementation on the Mac was notoriously dodgy. On my old 90 MHZ machine under system 7 it took a while to get going and often crashed. I'm not sure if Windows users on similar spec machines had these problems as well.
Since upgrading to a G3 and System 8 with it's Virtual Java Machine I've found it whizzes along well and seldomly crashes so I think perhaps this is the key.
I remember reading OS8 had better support for Java as well. Apparently MSIE 4 has good Java support as well so that might be your best bet if you're not running OS8.
Hope this helps.
best,
Simon
2 of 10
Helen Flint (otlaw, 3/2/99 12:06:35 PM)Have both - Macintosh 5300 and Java - no probs now but voodoo helps
3 of 10
Jeff Parker (jsparker, 3/3/99 9:48:58 PM)JAVA just seems to be that kid in your class with so much potential who just can't seem to sit still during the lecture and so stares out the window...blah. JAVA in my new 350 mhz G3 is slow. JAVA in my department's Pentium Pro is slow. Beofe including anything JAVA based you just have to consider is it worth the wait? And I'm sure in some cases it is:
Here is one where it might be www.hamsterdance.com.
But it it certainly brings the idea of accessiblity to a whole new level in regard to literature...
4 of 10
Java (simon mills, 3/4/99 2:44:05 AM)I must say Java on my G3 300MHz runs well.
However I'd still avoid using it on a website for anything except the most practical applications such as Chat Rooms because of the problems already noted.
It can be used for visual or multimedia to good effect, a personal fave is the antiorp website. However the sites that utilise it in this way tend to be experimental and not concerned with the common concerns of usability.
Thats my view anyway.
best,
Simon
5 of 10
Christy Sheffield Sanford (Christy1, 3/4/99 8:00:56 AM) 3/4/99 8:00:56 AM) Mac will have to come up to speed on Java. It is here to stay. I have spoken to at least 3 Mac users who have been able to see my Rockgarden of Love. Therefore, it must be the models, which are the problem. As Simon has noted, he has no trouble. I don't think I am being elitist. Many cheap PCs can handle Java. To me, this is equivalent to black and white film moving to color. We aren't going back.6 of 10
Java and the Mac (simon mills, 3/4/99 11:15:45 AM)I believe I'm corect in saying that Apple have just released a new version of the Java virtual machine which is what is used to run Java on a Mac unless you have your browser set up to use the Microsoft version.
I think Mac's implementation of Java is up to speed. Of course one has to set it up on their machine. Details should be at www.apple.com.
Simon /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
hyper-portfolio
http://innotts.co.uk/~samills/frAme: Journal of Culture and Technology
http://trace.ntu.ac.uk/frame/trAce: Online Writing Community
http://trace.ntu.ac.uk//*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
8 of 10
geni wate (geniwate, 3/4/99 6:08:26 PM)I quote one of my emails:
------------------- 4. Espresso Anyone? -------------------
We've cooked up a brand new brew.
It's Mac OS Runtime for Java (MRJ) 2.1, and it now runs up to 500% faster than versions previously available for Macintosh.
Based on the real stuff (Java Development Kit 1.1.6 from Sun Microsystems), MRJ 2.1 offers built-in support for AppleScript, Symantec Corporation's Just In Time compiler for Java, Swing, and QuickTime.
For more information about this exciting new Macintosh resource and to download your free copy of the software, visit:
http://www.apple.com/java/
9 of 10
Christy Sheffield Sanford (Christy1, 3/4/99 6:39:28 PM)Thanks, Simon and Jenny, I am happy to be straightened out about the Mac. I will just let my ignorant post remain for all to see :-) The important thing is that people having problems may now have a few leads to correct the situation.
10 of 10
Jennifer Ley (jley, 3/10/99 12:11:31 AM)Thank you for the information AND ... I see part of my problem ... I've remained devoted to Netscape ... I'll download this and try it out with Explorer ... oh sadness !!
11 of 10
reiner strasser (restra, 5/2/99 2:11:51 PM)netscape 4.+ and java there is a new plugin out mozilla.org runs java with MRJ 2.1 on ns 4.+ try it
regards reiner