Dialpad

[Janina Sajka]

Hi, Kirk:

Slight correction. The plugin which provides screen reader access to Sun
Java is now available and has been interfaced with JFW at least. It's
pretty leading edge still, though.


On Thu, 29 Jun 2000, Kirk Wood wrote:

> 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.
> 
> 

-- 

				Janina Sajka, Director
				Information Systems Research & Development
				American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)

janina at afb.net