What does Java do?

Lone Goose · 06-05-2007, 10:46 AM

Excuse my ignorance...but Java is constantly trying to install upgrades on my computer.

My HD is nearly full, and when looking to find space I already had 2 "Java" apps at over 120 MB each!

I don't know what the stupid thing does...why it didn't uninstall the older versions, and why do I even need the newer version...I have not hit one website that said I needed a newer java app.

Kindred · 06-05-2007, 10:57 AM

In a nutshell...

1) Java is a programing language.
2) What's installed on your pc is considered the "JVM" or Java Virtual Machine.
3) It's the "client" pieces needed to run java programs from a website.
4) Previous versions are typically not uninstalled, because different web-based programs may require different versions of the Java client.
5) Multiple versions can co-exist on the same machine with RELATIVELY minor conflicts.

6) by default install, the java client will periodically check for available updates, which are released roughly every month or so.

7) You can turn off the update though. Go into CONTROL PANEL, and click the JAVA icon. Depending on your current version the option to turn off auto-updating of java is typically on the "Advanced" or "Updates" tab.

There's really no need to constantly update it, any web-based program which requires it, will prompt you when an update is absolutely required.

Azzy · 06-05-2007, 11:05 AM

Its hot, you drink it.. tastes like coffee

DarkStar · 06-05-2007, 11:39 AM

Most populated island of Indonesia?

(Kindred nailed it, nothing productive to add)

-MR

Wycke · 06-06-2007, 11:17 PM

What does Java do? In my experience, it either makes magical things very possible, or seemingly simple things impossible. Our "administrative" and "academic" apps that make use of it tend to go into violent convulsions before locking the machine us solid if there are multiple versions of Java installed. Generally speaking, I always disable the "Auto Update" function of every software other than the OS (Windows or Mac OS), and sometimes I even disable that or at least set it to "download and prompt to install" so I have to approve of the installation before it happens.

Kindred · 06-07-2007, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wycke

What does Java do? In my experience, it either makes magical things very possible, or seemingly simple things impossible. Our "administrative" and "academic" apps that make use of it tend to go into violent convulsions before locking the machine us solid.......

Oh man! I've been on a SERIOUS rant about our developers lately and even I let that part of it slide !!

Wycke · 06-08-2007, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kindred

Oh man! I've been on a SERIOUS rant about our developers lately and even I let that part of it slide !!

Unfortunately, these aren't in-house apps, so ranting at the developers is both difficult and ineffective.

Our administrative database uses SCT Banner, which uses its own java-base browser plugin that can have a bad reaction to the presence of an "unclean" version of JVM. And our LMS (Blackboard Vista 4) is fine so long as there is one (and ONLY one) version of Java installed and that that version has been "blessed" for use with BB Vista 4 (they're very slow to update their browser and java compliances - it took almost a year for FF 2.0 to get "validated").

HP_Lovecraft · 06-08-2007, 11:33 AM

It could be worse.
All of our apps here are in-house, and every programmer has HIS OWN favorite development platform. So, we have hundreds of programs made in 15 assorted languages. This is made worse by different preferences in databased, platforms, and client/server control.

It gets worse when someone leaves the company, since nobody wants to support the apps, since that means learning how to use the development software, and it ends up getting rewritten in whatever the flavor of the day is.

I don't like Java, but I like VB.Net even less. It makes such sloppy, buggy, slow, unmanagable code. I'm a classically trained Unix-C programmer. My professors beat into my head the need for well written, concise, fast code.

Bah. The "solution" that we came up with here is to run most of the large-scale apps on a client/server model, so the architecture, and platform is largely transparent to the user.

Nick

going_home · 06-08-2007, 11:18 PM

2 cups ov java every morning helps me to function....well almost.

YouTube - Folgers Happy Morning Commercial

06-05-2007, 10:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
Lone Goose Active Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: South Western NH	What does Java do? Excuse my ignorance...but Java is constantly trying to install upgrades on my computer. My HD is nearly full, and when looking to find space I already had 2 "Java" apps at over 120 MB each! I don't know what the stupid thing does...why it didn't uninstall the older versions, and why do I even need the newer version...I have not hit one website that said I needed a newer java app. __________________ Lone Goose Painting the World from Mt. Monadnock! www.monadnockpb.com

06-05-2007, 10:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
Kindred Mod & Underwear Model Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Neshanic Station, NJ	In a nutshell... 1) Java is a programing language. 2) What's installed on your pc is considered the "JVM" or Java Virtual Machine. 3) It's the "client" pieces needed to run java programs from a website. 4) Previous versions are typically not uninstalled, because different web-based programs may require different versions of the Java client. 5) Multiple versions can co-exist on the same machine with RELATIVELY minor conflicts. 6) by default install, the java client will periodically check for available updates, which are released roughly every month or so. 7) You can turn off the update though. Go into CONTROL PANEL, and click the JAVA icon. Depending on your current version the option to turn off auto-updating of java is typically on the "Advanced" or "Updates" tab. There's really no need to constantly update it, any web-based program which requires it, will prompt you when an update is absolutely required. __________________ Strive for that moment when you're only a slice of pizza and a hooker away from paradise.

06-05-2007, 11:05 AM	#3 (permalink)
Azzy Mod-O-Rator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Finleyville, PA	Its hot, you drink it.. tastes like coffee __________________ Bryan "Azzy" Spiegel Riverside Renegade Paintball / C.C. S.V.S. Plankowner - LPPC#6 "It is my right to be uncommon—if I can. I seek opportunity—not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me. I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed. I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia. I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat. It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say, “This I have done.” - Dean Alfange

06-06-2007, 11:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
Wycke Supernatural Anaesthetist Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: The Plaines of Celestia	What does Java do? In my experience, it either makes magical things very possible, or seemingly simple things impossible. Our "administrative" and "academic" apps that make use of it tend to go into violent convulsions before locking the machine us solid if there are multiple versions of Java installed. Generally speaking, I always disable the "Auto Update" function of every software other than the OS (Windows or Mac OS), and sometimes I even disable that or at least set it to "download and prompt to install" so I have to approve of the installation before it happens. __________________ Porch Monkey 4 Life! s'ok...I'm takin' it back... My Feedback Thread

06-08-2007, 11:33 AM	#8 (permalink)
HP_Lovecraft MCB Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Southern Maine	It could be worse. All of our apps here are in-house, and every programmer has HIS OWN favorite development platform. So, we have hundreds of programs made in 15 assorted languages. This is made worse by different preferences in databased, platforms, and client/server control. It gets worse when someone leaves the company, since nobody wants to support the apps, since that means learning how to use the development software, and it ends up getting rewritten in whatever the flavor of the day is. I don't like Java, but I like VB.Net even less. It makes such sloppy, buggy, slow, unmanagable code. I'm a classically trained Unix-C programmer. My professors beat into my head the need for well written, concise, fast code. Bah. The "solution" that we came up with here is to run most of the large-scale apps on a client/server model, so the architecture, and platform is largely transparent to the user. Nick __________________ www.montneel.com My Myspace nonsense "the evidence strongly suggests that neither Billy nor Adam (Smart Parts) could have invented the electronic paintgun" -Garr M. King, U.S. Judge

06-08-2007, 11:18 PM	#9 (permalink)
going_home Hebrews 13:8 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Valrico Florida	Wake up sunshine 2 cups ov java every morning helps me to function....well almost. YouTube - Folgers Happy Morning Commercial __________________ Say what you mean. Mean what you say. http://www.liveprayer.com/fitna.cfm