[NTLUG:Discuss] OT: Java question

[Rob Apodaca]

On Wed, 2004-03-24 at 23:24, Wayne Dahl wrote:
> I just finished another one of the NetLearn classes Verizon has and had
> exactly the same problem at the end as the other class.  I got my score
> and as it was trying to save the score and give me credit for the class,
> it got itself into a loop and would not come out.  I would keep clicking
> on exit the class, a dialog box would come up saying it was saving the
> class data and then the class would start over.  Just keeps doing the
> same thing over and over and over again and credit is never given.  I'll
> get the credit because the class administrators will take a screen shot
> as proof of completion, but this appears to be a M$ Java issue.
> 
> The question I have is, isn't Java a copyrighted Sun product?  If so,
> how can M$ get away with bastardizing it as they have, attempting to
> make it incompatible with other systems/software/browsers, etc?  I just
> HATE that the powers that be at Verizon have decided to take the
> butterflys KoolAid.
> 
> I've tried configuring other browsers to appear as IE, and Netlearn will
> run, but apparently, it runs some scripts that IE only knows what to do
> with.  Can I shoot the people responsible?  Please? 
> 
> Wayne

I think you are confusing java with javascript. Although they have
similar names, the similarity ends there.

Here is a simple explanation of the two: 
http://www.dannyg.com/ref/javavsjavascript.html

I am of the opinion that it is the website owner's responsibility to
make sure their code will work with at least more than 1 browser or
adopt standards where they exist. It seems like alot of 'developers' use
gui tools for page develpment and view the results in explorer - If it
looks good in IE, it must be good. Coincidentally, these pages are often
not even html compliant. Check the site in question here:
http://validator.w3.org/
or any site for that matter. You'll be shocked how many sites/pages
aren't valid html but were created by Frontpage or some other wysiwyg
editor. If people don't follow simple standards for html, its no wonder
they won't follow netscape's docs:
http://developer.netscape.com/docs/manuals/index.html?content=javascript.html

If I run across a site and I am going to buy something from that company
and I can't because their shopping cart program is broken (due to
javascript or whatever), I simply move on to another site. Sometimes
I'll even send them an email to let them know how much money I would
have spent...so they are aware how much money their broken website is
costing them. I make sure not to specify which browser (or platform) I'm
using so as not to come across as a crazy Linux zealot...it really
shouldn't matter which one I'm using anyway. It's sad but most people
don't really care if their website won't work with non-IE browsers...let
them know it's hurting their pocketbook and they just might do something
about it.

Ok, my ranting is over...hope this info helps out.

Cheers,
-Rob