1) WHAT is Java, and how can it help me? 2) WHY Java NOW? 3) WHY is Java next BIG THING? 4) CONCLUSIONS

. . .

1) WHAT is Java, and how can it help me?

. . .

Java is basically a programming language that can be integrated into browsers, and add spice to a website. One beautiful thing is its 'reusability', and 'ease of use'.

For example -- I will use classic 'Lake' example, where you have a picture of a mountain on top of a lake, and water ripples.

Before Java, you needed expensive graphics software and several hours to make it ripple. Using a Java applet, all you have to do is include something like:

in your webpage, and now you now have a picture of a lake that ripples! To change image, simply change name of file (the "lake.jpg")!

So -- Java makes it VERY easy to add and change functionality in your website.

. . .

2) WHY Java NOW?

. . .

About five years ago, Java was introduced, and ran it really slowly. The main browsers (Netscape & Internet Explorer) that supported Java were 'brand' new. And, computers they ran on were slow. If you had a 'top of line computer', it meant you had a Pentium-133 machine (and friends were usually jealous that you could afford such a 'fine' piece of hardware). Most people were just learning what E-Mail was.

All that has changed.

Microsoft & Netscape have re-written their browsers' JVM (java virtual machine), and optimized it to make Java lightning fast.

Pentium-III 550 MHz machines cost less than Pentium-133 models did. Plus, they are more than three times faster, because of faster graphics accelerator cards, increased RAM and so forth. And most people have one of these newer machines, because of low cost (or special 'package' deals that ISP's made with computer makers for 'free' or 'low cost' computers)

So, now Java is fast, and can be easily used, with low development costs.

. . .

3) WHY is Java next BIG THING?

. . .

A) NO PLUGINS ARE REQUIRED! Most internet users find it EXCEPTIONALLY annoying to have to wait 3 or 4 minutes to download a special plug-in to hear audio, another special plug-in to see 3D images, and so forth. JAVA DOES NOT REQUIRE PLUGINS! Practically 99% of all internet browsers ALREADY SUPPORT JDK 1.0.2, (which is 'main' version of Java in use today).

Unlike CGI scripts, JavaScript can be placed directly into your HTML code. It can also reside on your server and be called from a small code within your web page.

This powerful scripting language can be used to create special effects on your web page such as link effects, mouseovers, image roll overs, navigational systems and much more.

Here are a few great scripts to get you started:

Navigation Bar

This script is actually a combination of JavaScript and HTML better known as DHTML. It will enable you to have a mouseover navigational menu at top of your web page. When you place your mouse over main menu, a drop down menu will appear. As you move your mouse over drop down menu, each selection is highlighted. This navigation menu is very similar to menu used at Microsoft.com.

http://www.brainjar.com/dhtml/navbar/index.html

Dynamic Splash Screen

If you've ever wanted to set up a splash screen for your web page, Dynamic Splash Screen will do just that. Splash pages can be used to tell your visitors a little bit about your site or whatever you'd like. The great thing about this script is that it is constructed using a single page. Once splash messages have been completed, script will navigate to URL of your choice. It also includes a link on splash page that says, "Skip Intro." Nice effect.

http://www.dynamicdrive.com/dynamicindex3/dynamicsplash.htm

Pausing Up and Down Menu Scroller

This nice little script will enable you to have linked text that scrolls upwards and will pause between each message. You can choose to include a background image and customize background color and box size. This script provides a nice way to announce new additions to your site or whatever you'd like.

http://www.dynamicdrive.com/dynamicindex2/crosstick.htm

overLIB