From owner-freebsd-java@FreeBSD.ORG Mon Mar 22 18:01:38 2010 Return-Path: Delivered-To: freebsd-java@freebsd.org Received: from mx1.freebsd.org (mx1.freebsd.org [IPv6:2001:4f8:fff6::34]) by hub.freebsd.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id 3789A1065673 for ; Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:01:37 +0000 (UTC) (envelope-from freebsd-announce@chthonic.com) Received: from chanas.pair.com (chanas.pair.com [209.68.2.166]) by mx1.freebsd.org (Postfix) with SMTP id C9EFF8FC15 for ; Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:01:36 +0000 (UTC) Received: (qmail 23746 invoked by uid 3329); 22 Mar 2010 17:34:54 -0000 Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:34:54 -0400 From: "J. Altman" To: freebsd-java@freebsd.org Message-ID: <20100322173454.GA9749@chanas.pair.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Disposition: inline User-Agent: Mutt/1.4.2.3i Subject: Java Sandbox in a distance learning environ X-BeenThere: freebsd-java@freebsd.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.5 Precedence: list Reply-To: "J. Altman" List-Id: Porting Java to FreeBSD List-Unsubscribe: , List-Archive: List-Post: List-Help: List-Subscribe: , X-List-Received-Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:01:38 -0000 Greetings... An online course provider requires this: "Your browser must also support Java applets." And says this about Open Source Java installations: "Students have had success using the Linux operating system and Mozilla on a variety of platforms, such as RedHat and Debian. If you use a lesser-known flavor of Linux, be sure to thoroughly try out the Learning Sandbox to make sure it works for you. If by chance it doesn't, simply let us know within 7 days for a full refund." Under a closed-source OS, using Java in this environ is likely to be trouble-free. I am not as sure about this on FreeBSD, so my questions. My beginner's understanding is that the installations and use of Java on a desktop can be hairy and potentially troublesome. I have reviewed, briefly, some recent traffic on this list, and the downloads page at http://www.freebsdfoundation.org/downloads/java.shtml. My current desktop, running Xfce, but not KDE: uname -a FreeBSD whisperer.chthonixia.net 8.0-RELEASE-p2 FreeBSD 8.0-RELEASE-p2 #0: Wed Mar 17 22:12:19 EDT 2010 root@whisperer.chthonixia.net:/usr/obj/usr/src/sys/WHISPERER amd64 1) Can anyone offer some speculation about the ease of use for Java on this version of FreeBSD? While I am generally ready for a mild challenge in installing software for a desktop, this is probably not the time nor the best environ for such a challenge. From what I can tell, overall, I'm probably going to find it easier to use a closed-source OS. Or am I mistaken in my apprehension of a basic skill and clue level for installing and using, for the long term, Java on a FreeBSD desktop? 2) I saw some list traffic that indicated KDE might be the best candidate for using Java with few, if any, headaches. Any thoughts on that? I'm not subscribed to the list; so if possible, please Cc: me on the reply. Thanks for any help, and best regards, Joe