Helpful Hints & Tips on Using Knovel
Interactive Application Technology
Java
When the Java technology was first introduced, much of the surrounding hype focused on applets because they allow programs to be downloaded to a browser and to run “on the fly” over the Internet. It’s important to keep in mind that applets are just another way of delivering a program. Equally important is that applets are safe to use and only run in the so-called browser “sandbox,” and can never cause malicious damage to your computer.
Applets can run in any browser with a Java Virtual Machine. Initially Knovel Corporation relied solely on the built-in capabilities of the browsers. It became clear that our customers wanted increased functionality that the browsers could not support. Microsoft in particular was not keeping up with newer Java technology due in no small part to the fact that they did not invent it.
The solution, thanks to the efforts of Sun Microsystems, is simple. Use the latest Java Plug-in solution (currently Version 1.3.1), which installs as an extension to either Internet Explorer (IE) or Netscape Navigator browsers.
Most IT Departments know how to deploy the JRE across the network by simply going to Sun’s Java Site, http://java.sun.com/getjava/download.html. Alternately end users can install the JRE themselves provided there are no firewall restrictions. Installation for IE is a one-step process, for Netscape it is a two-step process.
Flash
The downloading of the JRE can be problematic for some companies. Simply stated, ultra high security restrictions prohibit the deployment across the network. Knovel has been aware of this problem since day one and has been actively pursuing alternate application technologies.
Early versions of Macromedia Flash were not the answer; in fact Flash was originally created to allow for animation of Web pages. Beginning with Flash version 5, Flash included a powerful scripting language, ActionScript. This language is very similar to JavaScript and powers Knovel’s productivity applications. Since it is more robust than Java, Flash applets have increased functionality. Flash is now considered as Knovel’s recommended technology. An added caveat is that Microsoft ships the Flash Player with its latest operating systems, something they resist doing with JRE.