The Basics:

Applets are programs that can run within a web browser. Applets require an interpreter in order to run. The applet interpreter is called a Virtual Machine (VM) or Java Runtime Environment (JRE). The makers of Java (Sun Microsystems, Inc.) provide a browser plug-in which is free for download from their web site. The Sun VM is the recommended VM. Some Windows installations may be using the out of date Microsoft VM (version 1.1.4), depending on your software installation and update history. ProjectTALLC applets may run, but they will not function properly under the Microsoft VM. Save yourself the headache and get the latest JRE from Sun. Most of the "core" ProjectTALLC applets have a "system info" option in the "Instructions" section where you can easily check what version of the VM you are using to run the applets. Make sure that you see at least 1.3.1.

How do I setup my Web browser for applets?

Windows PC users get the JRE from Sun. You can download the JRE and install it locally or install it straight from the website. Once installation is complete you can manage the Java plug-in from the Windows Control Panel. In Internet Explorer you will be able to find a checkbox in the Tools->Internet Options->Advanced section. The heading will read "Java (Sun)". Make sure the box is checked. It should be by default after the plug-in is installed. You'll also need to look amongst these check boxes for a "Microsoft VM" heading and checkbox, and if found clear the checkbox. If both are checked the Java VM should, however, take precedence. The Microsoft VM may or may not be present depending on prior software and Windows Service Pack installations.

Mac OS X includes a Java VM, and maintain updates for this VM through their software updates.

Why am I still having trouble running the applets?

Close and reopen your web browser if you haven't done so since installing the JRE.

Windows PC users need to make sure that you are not using the Microsoft VM. Open Internet Explorer and check Tools->Internet Options->Advanced to make sure that Microsoft VM, if listed, is not checked. If the Java VM doesn't appear anywhere in the Advanced listings try first looking in the windows control panel at the Java plug-in options, and/or uninstalling and reinstalling the JRE.

Other browsers are available as an alternative to Internet Explorer. Mozilla Firefox is an excellent browser. The install does not include a VM, but after you install the JRE from Sun, Firefox will run the applets. You can get Firefox here.

Note that if you are running projectTALLC applets from within WebCT or 49er Express you'll need to verify that your browser and browser version are compatible with these applications. 49er Express has a browser checker page. WebCT has a page here.

Last updated: 09.05.2005