Mac OS X 10.2: Java 1.4.1 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Java 1.4.1 replace Java 1.3.1?
2. Which version of Java does Safari (Beta) use?
3. Does my third-party Web browser support Java 1.4.1?
4. Do existing Java applications start using Java 1.4.1 automatically?
5. Which version of Java do JAR files use?

Question 1: Does Java 1.4.1 replace Java 1.3.1?

Answer: The Java 1.4.1 Update adds Java 1.4.1 to Mac OS X. It does not replace Java 1.3.1. Both versions exist simultaneously to preserve backward compatibility for applications and services that rely on prior versions.

Question 2: Which version of Java does Safari (Beta) use?

Answer: The beta version of Safari uses Java 1.4.1, if it is installed.

Question 3: Does my third-party Web browser support Java 1.4.1?

Answer: If you use a Web browser released prior to Java 1.4.1 (which was released 2003-03-10), it may not use Java 1.4.1. For compatibility information, contact the software publisher.

Question 4: Do existing Java applications start using Java 1.4.1 automatically?

Answer: Existing applications that do not specify a runtime-choosing logic, or that specify Java 1.3.1, continue to use Java 1.3.1. Check with the application's publisher for more information.

Question 5: Which version of Java do JAR files use?

Answer: JAR files opened from the Finder use Java 1.4.1.

Note: If your JAR file must use Java 1.3.1, use the following advanced steps to open it:

1. Open Terminal (/Applications/Utilities).
2. Type:

/System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Versions/1.3.1/Home/bin/java -jar

Important: Leave a space following "-jar" but do not press Return yet.

4. Locate the JAR file in the Finder.
5. Drag the JAR file's icon to the Terminal window to automatically enter the file's path.
6. In Terminal, press Return.