Java
Overview
Java is currently not shipped be default. Only open source software is, and apparently open source versions are not yet usable.[1]
While not shipped by default, people do install java. And governments may install it, along with other non-free software, in their versions of the distribution. It appears applets now work in the browser if java is installed.[2]
In preparing java for wider use, two challenges might be getting something appropriately sized for the olpc laptop (eg, efforts to make the jre less bloated, or using something like JavaSE), and integrating with the Gtk/C/Python infrastructure for collaboration, storage, etc.
But the basic bottleneck, on this as in most things OLPC, is shortage of people. The core team is focused on the core, and on each deadline. The community fills in the many opportunties that leaves. And it doesn't look like anyone is really pushing on Java yet.
Installing Java
- The Restricted Formats page contains installation directions for Sun's Java installation.
Potentially interesting Java programs
- Wikiversity courses are likely to require Java
- Jmol, an open-source java applet (and application) for viewing 3D molecular structures. Children can, for example, explore the 3D structure and function of DNA as well as vitamins, drugs (such as anti-HIV drugs), or proteins (such as hemoglobin and its sickle disease variant common in Africa).
- http://alice.org/ - Alice 3D Authoring system, from the Stage3 Research Group at Carnegie Mellon University. (judging from the hardware requirements that would probably be using the OLPC to the limits)
Java becoming open source
Do the following pages about Java becoming free and open source have implications for using Java on the OLPC laptop?
http://www.sun.com/software/opensource/java/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6144748.stm
- Initially, Java is not available on the laptop. JavaScript—technologically-wise unrelated to it—will be.
Alternatives to Java on the laptop
See "Thin client" for the implications of a server based approach.