Dialpad

[Kirk Wood]

The big reason you see requirements for Netscape or Internet Explorer to
run the java apps from the web is they are the only two major browsers,
and there is an assumption they are the only ones with ability to run java
inside of them.

Now for more detail. Java always runs in a "virtual machine." This allows
the java app to only perform things allowed by the virtual machine. The
idea is to allow you to not have to worry about a virus or something as
the java app would only be allowed to work within the vm and not infect
the system.

Now Microslop decided they wanted more functionality (with the sideline
benefit of allowing a new breed of virus). So they made their own vm that
allows some ugly things to be done to your computer. Also their extensions
made proprietary changes. Theyadamently refused to release the changes
back to Sun violating the lisence and are now prohibited from installing
the vm by default while the case continues to be hammered out in
court. (Read M$ tries to delay their loss.) This new "junctionality" also
helps ensure that people will use their developement tools and their OS as
guess what the only place to get it is?

Now one problem facing blind people is there are no text based browsers
with Java ability to my knowledge.

-- 
Kirk Wood
Cpt.Kirk at 1tree.net
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Seek simplicity -- and distrust it.
		Alfred North Whitehead