Name: gm110360 Date: 07/09/2002


FULL PRODUCT VERSION :
java version "1.4.0"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.4.0-b92)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.4.0-b92, mixed mode)

A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM :
I am building a Java applet/servlet-based client/server on-
line card game.

Java really is the only way to go for this project, but I
am finding (since its release on May 16th), that after over
two hundred unique visitors only a handful were able
to 'Get Java', and some of THEM were I.T. professionals or
people I personally talked through it.

I AM very interested in putting an 'easy to get Java' link
on my site but, frankly, your 'Get Java' section is
appalling: when the user EVENTUALLY (after several screens
and LOTS of text) makes it to this screen...

http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4/download.html

...they more than likely give up (i.e. what's a JRE? What's
an SDK? Must they click ANOTHER link to find out?!).

Second, why the ridiculous, politically-motivated focus on
Windows XP? For the MANY users of other versions of Windows
and OS' that the Plug-In supports, they get VERY confused
when they reach a screen that says 'Get the Plug-In for XP'!

On top of that, why on Earth do you THEN present an
InstallShield setup? Why doesn't the plug-in just install
and run 'invisibly'? At the worst, why isn't there a 'one-
click' install?

Sun needs to work MUCH harder at being 'average user'
friendly. For such a great and vital technology, it's
embarassing that it lacks something as simple as a good
install.

It's no wonder Java is losing ground on the desktop, while
other plug-ins such as Flash enjoy over 98% market share.
PLEASE take a look at their installation at...

http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayerbutton

In the long term, doing something to reduce the
ridiculously large 10MB download would be good too (I
understand this is in the works for JDK 1.5?), but in the
short term surely a slicker installer and nicer web site is
not too much to ask (your new site 'look and feel' has not
addressed these issues, by the way).

Many thanks,

Richard Kennard
(www.juliannegiffin.com)

STEPS TO FOLLOW TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM :
1. Go to http://java.sun.com/getjava (as recommended)

2. Where are Linux users meant to go? Where are Solaris
users meant to go? The site just says 'for XP' (and then,
in brackets, for other versions of Windows).

3. If 'automatic install' is not working (and, frankly, if
automatic install WAS working and the third-party Web page
was using the OBJECT tag as it should then the user would
never have got to this page, would they?), the user is sent
to...

http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4/download.html

...which is, frankly, unusable for any average user.

EXPECTED VERSUS ACTUAL BEHAVIOR :
I would like to see a service provided by Sun (in a similar
way to what you are currently attempting), where I can put
a 'Get Java Now!' button (or something) on my site which
links to a page which is easy to navigate and use for the
average user.

I would like to know that Sun has conducted tests on how
many average users are able to successfully install Java on
their home PCs.

Macromedia, for example, are quoting a 98% install base...

http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayerbutton

...WITHOUT having to be shipped with the Operating System.

REPRODUCIBILITY :
This bug can be reproduced always.

CUSTOMER WORKAROUND :
Produce your own, friendly, 'you need Java' screen on your
site. I am tring different versions, balancing information
with briefness, and seeing what acceptance rates I am able
to get.

My current one is at...

http://www.juliannegiffin.com/houseofcards_intro.jsp
(Review ID: 158721)
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