Sun Java Installation Guide
This guide explains why and how to upgrade from Microsoft's Java to Sun's.
Why Java
Java is a programming language that runs within a "virtual machine" (VM) on
your computer. The Java VM (or "JVM"), isolates Java code from the computer
by presenting an interface for the code that is consistent across various
operating systems and computer hardware.
What this means for the AFF system is that our applications run
safely without modification on multiple versions of
Microsoft Windows (98/2000/XP/etc.), Apple, Linux/UNIX and other
environments.
The Java VM also protects your computer from malicious instructions. It
warns you if code is coming from an unknown/untrusted source and runs the
code within an environment that stops it from doing anything nasty.
Our use of Java Web Start enables WebTracker to be automatically
updated from the server everytime you start it. This ensures that you
always have the most up-to-date version without requiring you to download
and install the program many times. It also enables you to run WebTracker
from an icon on your desktop and start menu (like other applications): you
do not have to launch it from the AFF web site with your browser every
time.
Why Upgrade
When you purchase a PC that comes with Microsoft Windows, it includes
Microsoft's JVM by default. This JVM is used by Internet Explorer to run
Java applets.
While it was nice of Microsoft to provide some rudimentary Java support,
the reality is that their business model does not contain a mechanism to
make a profit from it and they are directing their efforts toward other
things that may yield them profit. Their JVM was built in 1997 and has
not been updated since. Meanwhile, the Java community under the
leadership of Sun Microsystems has developed the Java language and
environment to include some impressive capabilities, and improved both
security and performance along the way.
WebTracker 2.0 required the capabilities of recent JVMs in order to
implement its advanced capabilities. AFF will discontinue older versions
of WebTracker in the near future.
How to Upgrade
The computer software that implements the JVM is called the Java
Runtime Environment (JRE).
You can acquire and use Sun's JRE without charge. To get it, visit any of
the following web sites (they all go to Sun Microsystems):
On any of these sites, find the download link that looks like this:
Click on the "Download Now" icon:
and select either the XPI or Offline Installation option to download the
software. For each option there are detailed instructions right beside
the download.
Most people with high-speed internet access can download and install Sun's
JRE in a matter of a few minutes. If you accept the suggested default values
throughout the installation, you will likely encounter no problems. If you
do, Sun's site has lots of information to help you.
Be sure to allow the installer to set Sun's JRE as your default JRE for
Internet Explorer and any other browser you might be using (such as Mozilla's
Firefox browser from http://www.mozilla.com )
If you are using a non-Windows operating system, you can obtain a JRE from
other sources. Any reasonably-recent JRE will enable you to run WebTracker.
Here are some links for other operating systems:
- Linux:
-
- Apple:
-
http://developer.apple.com/java/
- OS/2:
-
www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/eserver/library/es-java-os2