Java - I would like to call it the COBOL of the 90's. It has its time and place but not how it is been portrayed by people with wested interest.
Rohan Buultjens : bultjens@emirates.net.ae, URL :

Dear Sir/Madame I like the show and learned a bit about the new culture. But as I live in a area that doesn't recieve to well I have troubles reading your text when I freeze frame on the video. The text smears into the next letter making it hard or impossible to read. Maybe you can maske you text more defined in some way. eg. a thinner text and a even background or something. Thanks for reading. Keep up the work, you never know I might learn something (Most likely) Kind regards Ted.
Ted J Polman : tedpol@closer.brisnet.org.au, URL : Your program

Hmmmm the big question ...... to Java or not to Java. Well its kinda of a mute point really. There are a few issues which I think will have greater consequences on the net. 1. Java and its counter parts are employing a rudimentary implimentation of distributed processing. Wouldn't it be nice if your "Internet" application ran where it would give the user the best performance, the server, the client, or another server. This sort of dynamic processing is possible. X-Windows and now Windows NT is heading down this path......It is the future.....Distributed processing. 2. Java impliments a virtual machine (not the first to do so). A Java compiler converts the Java script source code into an executable form which can run on any platform that has a Java Virtual Machine implimented. The important part of this is both platform independance and the fact that the source language does not have to be Java. We don't all have to write C++ on a MS Windows platform do we. 3. Last of all its here and its here to stay (as a begining) so as with all development tools...if you have the need get into it.
Ross Dawson : rossco@ozramp.net.au, URL :

I am going to download Java soon but first I want to check it out a little bit more, Some of my friends use JAVA to edit and programe their HTML web pages and it is working really well for them. I have my own home page, but their are now fancy personalized graphics, just some little pictures and links, information,etc. I watch your show, "HTTP://" every week, and I am looking forward to this weeks episode
Nathan Johnston : nbj@ozemail.com.au, URL : Nathan Johnston's Home Page

Well, I'm seen a lot of hype about JAVA, but I must agree with the majority. JAVA should do a lot for interactivity. I'm just waiting for the Amiga port of a JAVA browser, called Hot P'jami. :#> Groan! But what can you expect from a platform that names all of its custom chips(Agnus,denise,paula,Gary).
Randall Lasini : suicyde@cwi.net.au, URL : under construction

Java is the next big thing on the net, and so far I can only see one problem in creating it. Sun Microsystem's new Java design facility, the Java WorkShop, requires a Pentuim 120, with 24 MB RAM. I know it's the best machinary, but hey, only a few people can use it without having to wait 15 minutes between clicks of the mouse. E-mail me with your ideas
Graham Marsland : marsland@lisp.com.au, URL :

Java

In my opinion Java is not better or worse, than CGI programs it is just another aspect of the web. Some jobs are better handled by servers (eg accessing a database), and these jobs lend themselves to CGI implementations. Other jobs (eg keeping a running total of cost) are better handled by the client. This is where Java and Java script come in.

Before Java if you filled out a form that needed a running total, that form would have to be posted, the total calculated, then the whole thing posted back, before you could see a total. A serious waste of time and bandwidth.

Java is certainly an enhancement to the client server capabilities of the web, and as such offers many new and very interresting possibilities.

Java is not "IT", a be all and end all, it is simply a new and interresting part of the whole picture.

Java Applets and JavaScript Code are great extensions to HTML and far superior to CGI.
Further, Java IS a standard which has been embraced by major industry players in a cooperative effort, incorporated into various operating systems to provide a clean, consistent, cross-platform environment for delivery of content.
I think Java is BIG and in combination with other cooperative efforts it will ultimately bring different platforms and systems together for authors/programmers to reach a wider/more universal audience. Cheers.
David Kok : davek@extro.ucc.su.oz.au, URL : Dave's Excellent Pages

After having experienced the HPYE with windows 95 I think I would reserve comment until Java is well and truly tried. Comparing the HYPE of windows 95 with the actaul product one appreciates the truth in the saying that "The expectation is greater than the realisation."
James J. : jamesj@southcom.com.au, URL :

I think Java and java script are just the first in a wave of languages that will be produced to enhance the web. Much of the fear surrounding security is much the same as when ATMs were first installed or banks used phone lines to connect branches. We all now use these functions everyday with out even questioning these issues. Many people fear Java because they don't see how they could use it and until we start seeing truly usefull applets there will always be this fear of it. Scrolling text and stuff is cute at first but does get tiring. 3D model viewing and walkthroughs. Java is just the start. No I don't work for Sun
Murray W : Murrayw@www.dvp.com.au, URL :

The Java concept looks to be the way of the future, but security aspects should be of concern to everyone. The hackers will have a field day, with direct access to everyone's operating system and files! Maybe I'm fortunate that Java for the 64k Macs hasn't been developed yet!
Darrall Cutting : darrall@triode.apana.org.au, URL :

Java is a breath of fresh air for software development. It enables developers to release standalone applications written in Java which can run on any platform that supports Java. No longer will you be tied down to one operating system just because it has the biggest selection of Apps .... * Down with Microsoft * ----- **Don't** use the JavaScript scrolling code which was included in a previous posting as it causes memory bleeding. Each time a string in JavaScript is initialized it instanctiates a new object. These objects are only "Garbage Collected" when you exit netscape.
Dougall Squair : dougall@ozemail.com.au, URL : My Home Page

Java has a lot of potential, but like all wonderful new software, it's too slow on today's hardware. Give the hardware a few months to catch up, and perhaps we'll start to see something more interesting than moving letters.
Daniel Bowen : dbowen@rucc.net.au, URL : Toxic Custard Workshop Files

Hi, to answer that question. Java is a cut down derivative of C developed by SUN for use in appliences ie the toaster or kettle. This did not sell in that format and was ported to the web where it has taken root
Craig Wright : craigw@wpa.ce.com.au, URL :

I love to Drink Java. But I'm not sure if your talking about a drink or a New computer thing. Will someone inform me please??!
Karin Meril : , URL :

Ooops, sorry! Ian.

I inadvertently ran rather than displayed the Java script in the previous message.

A preview function would help a lot .

Please remove and insert the script as text.

[Blush] Regards [/Blush]
John Hilvert : hilvertj@ozemail.com.au, URL : Australian PC User

It is important to distinguish between Java and JavaScript.

Though similar, the two frequently get confused. Java is close to a full-on C++ language with all the power, mystique and plain user inaccessibility that implies.

In addition Java runs mainly only on Netscape's 32-bit version of its browser.

On the other hand JavaScript or LiveScript as Netscape call it is actually a scripting (hence more user friendly, though less powerful language).

It is much easier to play with and it will run on 16-bit versions of Netscape.

If you want to to have soome fun, play around with the following piece of JavaScript:

<SCRIPT LANGUAGE="JavaScript">

<!-- Beginning of JavaScript Applet -------------------

/* Copyright (C)1996 Web Integration Systems, Inc. DBA Websys, Inc.
   All Rights Reserved.
   This applet can be re-used or modified, if credit is given in
   the source code.
   We will not be held responsible for any unwanted effects due to the
   usage of this applet or any derivative.  No warrantees for usability
   for any specific application are given or implied.
   Chris Skinner, January 30th, 1996.
   Hacked for CNNfn by RD, Jan. 31, 1996
   Slight modifications by Violet Arcana (arcana@teleport.com) Feb. 6. 1996
   Clueless but workable additions by John Hilvert (hilvertj@ozemail.com.au) 28 March 1996
*/

function scrollit_r2l(seed)
{
        var m1  = " + + + JavaScript applets can be fun and wierd, don't you think?: ";
	var m2  = " + + + Australian PC User - Gotta Love it!.";
        var m6  = " + + + Check out the document source code if you want to try this stuff.: + + +";
        var msg=m1+m2+m6;
	var out = " ";
	var c   = 1;

	if (seed > 100) {
		seed--;
		var cmd="scrollit_r2l(" + seed + ")";
		timerTwo=window.setTimeout(cmd,100);
	}
	else if (seed <= 100 && seed > 0) {
		for (c=0 ; c < seed ; c++) {
			out+=" ";
		}
		out+=msg;
		seed--;
		var cmd="scrollit_r2l(" + seed + ")";
		    window.status=out;
		timerTwo=window.setTimeout(cmd,100);
	}
	else if (seed <= 0) {
		if (-seed < msg.length) {
			out+=msg.substring(-seed,msg.length);
			seed--;
			var cmd="scrollit_r2l(" + seed + ")";
			window.status=out;
			timerTwo=window.setTimeout(cmd,100);
		}
		else {
			window.status=" ";
			timerTwo=window.setTimeout("scrollit_r2l(100)",75);
		}
	}
}
// -- End of JavaScript code -------------- -->

</SCRIPT>

<body onLoad="timerONE=window.setTimeout('scrollit_r2l(100)',500);">