Macs and Java
First off, let me state unequivocally that the Macintosh platform has *excellent* Java support. Many Mac users have no idea that jUploadr is written in Java at all, and deployment is a piece of cake. Additionally, the Mac includes several libraries by default that help me shrink jUploadr’s download size on that platform. Very nice indeed.
A while ago, Apple updated the version of Java on the Mac to 1.5 (AKA Java 5), but when they did so, they didn’t actually set that as the default version. Some people (me included) elected to stay on the old version (1.4.2), while most people went ahead and upgraded to the latest. The nice thing about the way Apple did the upgrade is that they didn’t remove the old version, which allows a Mac user to switch back and forth between versions seamlessly. I have used a similar strategy on Linux for years… eat your hearts out, Windows users.
Anyways, 1.1.2 is the last version that will support Java 1.4, and that means one of two things for Mac users. Either you can update your JVMs to 5.0, or you can stay with version 1.1.2 –which I’m sure will not be the best option once you see 1.2.
So what does Java 1.5 get you?
Improved performance — The 1.5 vm executes code faster, and has more optimizations that the 1.4 vm
What does it get me?
Easier development — Several language features make it easier for me to manage where your photos are stored in the code.
How do I upgrade?
It’s very easy. In case you haven’t done so already (it was an update on 9/5/2005 so most people should have it), download the 1.5 update and install it.
Then run Applications=>Utilities=>Java=>J2SE 5.0=>JavaPreferences.app and select J2SE 5.0 in the selection box labeled “Use Version”
That’s it. You’re on a modern JVM.
February 19th, 2007 at 11:15 pm
I think my problem is that I haven’t installed Java131and142update2 which is needed before you can install J2SE50. I cannot get Java131and142update2 to complete more than 99.9% as either a download from support.apple or through software update, in fact none of my software updates ever complete. They all timeout. I am in mainland China.
February 20th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Brandon,
Yes, that would be the problem
Have you tried to download the update using an FTP program that can retry? That might see you through, then again, it might be because of the great firewall.
June 24th, 2007 at 12:54 am
is there any alpha/beta release of jUploadr 1.2? I really want to see it
June 24th, 2007 at 11:56 am
Fishy: It’s getting very close to an alpha/beta stage. You should have something in a week or two. Right now, my fiancee is testing things out, and once I make a small addition (a globe icon overlay), I think it’s there.