Re: Clicking on Sun Java Plugin installation evokes 3 basic java setup questions
Bonnie Johnson wrote:
Can you advise me, a Windows XP user who knows nothing about Java.
Here's what transpired moments ago when I pointed my browser to
dslreports.com
Who? They may point to the correct place, but it
is simpler just to go there yourself and get it.
www.java.com/getjava/
Assuming you do that, I will answer these questions
for the 'real Java'.
QUESTION 1: Why should Windows Installer ask to connect to the Internet?
Should I have accepted or denied that request to connect to the
Internet?
The win installer often comes as a tiny file that knows
where to get the big bits, and can save you (a lot of)
time by only downloading the parts you need. For example,
support for non-english languages is a chunk of a few
megabytes, it the installer determines you don't need
it - it is not downloaded.
QUESTION 2: How do we know automatically installed java is the LATEST
java?
The Java plug-in should connect to the internet
occasionally on start-up and check for updates.
I recommend you let Java update when it requests
to do so. Sun is very careful to ensure that bugs
are fixed quickly - especially those which might
compromise your security or privacy - but that is
no good unless you allow the installer to update.
Can we control WHICH java a web page asks for?
Huh? You are not thinking of MS Java, are you?
(There are a number of manufacturers of fine 'Java
Plug-Ins' besides Sun - MS is *not* one of them).
Can a badly written web page install an OLDER java than the latest?
Good point. Yes. There are some that might argue
otherwise, but for you as an end user, I would *strongly*
recommend you *refuse* any download of 'earlier' plug-ins.
This can lead to installing earlier versions that might
potentially have security bugs. Inform the site hosts
you cannot afford to risk that, and to come 'here'
for further advice.
QUESTION 3: Why does java only run in "Program Files".
I don't even have a C:\Program Files directory on my Windows XP
computer. Now I do. But only for this Sun Java.
Why should I be forced to have a program files directory just for Sun
java?
Is there a way to tell the plugin to install in the proper location?
That would be what? (I have score of programs that are
all installed in 'Program Files' - including MS software).
Can you advise me on these three question please?
Sure. But it was 5 questions, so I'll have to
charge you extra. ;-)
(Note follow-ups set to c.l.j.help only)
HTH
Andrew T.