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Java Programming Software Linux

Another Review on Sun's Java Desktop 25

Posted by Cliff from the as-the-mad-penguin-dances dept.
An anonymous reader inputs: "Mad Penguin has posted a comprehensive review of Sun's JDS 2003 Linux distribution, and it is one of the most honest I have seen: "The developers behind this effort need to focus on what makes a desktop OS great: ease of use, multimedia support, and simple/accessible networking features." Without that, the author says that the distro cannot survive. there was also mention of Project Looking Glass, a 3D java desktop environment for Linux that is still under heavy development." Compare this review with the first one that was posted, back in December.
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Another Review on Sun's Java Desktop More

Another Review on Sun's Java Desktop

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  • "...Project Looking Glass, a 3D java desktop environment for Linux..." young boy: "...hey, it's a linux system"

  • J all over the world (Score:5, Funny)

    by FePe ( 720693 ) on Saturday January 31, 2004 @05:24PM (#8146367)
    It's been hard living with the "k" prefix in application names. And now it's going to be even harder living in this world with all these applications like JDictionary, JGraphpad, JDiskReport...

    Check this screenshot [osnews.com] for example.

    • Re:J all over the world (Score:5, Insightful)

      by rhild ( 659603 ) on Saturday January 31, 2004 @06:08PM (#8146601) Homepage
      I have to agree with you on this one. Most end users have zero interest in what language was used to develop some program. They just want it to work, look nice, and not surprise them in unpleasant ways.

      A lot of thought should go into a program's name, but one of the things that matters the least is trying to reflect in the name the language or GUI kit used to develop it.

      • Re:J all over the world (Score:2, Interesting)

        by Jahf ( 21968 )
        JDS isn't targetted at "most end users". It is being developed as a distribution that fits well into the enterprise. The admin who runs the JDS desktops may very well remove those items from the menus anyway.

        Additionally, remember that is a 1.0 product. It's going to be a couple of years before it is fully matured.

        Also, Sun has a vested interest in a) showcasing the Java desktop apps and b) giving some meaning to the "Java" in Java Desktop System.

        • But I think they are over-exposing the Java brand here. Microsoft ran into this problem with .Net, as their marketing department went crazy and started labelling everything with .Net.

          I would hate to see Sun make the same mistake, especially considering they have the advantage of seeing what Microsoft did previously.

          • Re:J all over the world (Score:1, Informative)

            by Anonymous Coward
            Unfortunately if it is a mistake it is already too late ... Java (Desktop|Enterprise|Mobility|etc) System are already rebranded.

            It's an issue we deal with at every press conference, trade show, etc. One thing that is important to realize is that the product groups had no real input in the decision, it came down from on high.
      • First, Sun might include Java in the name regardless of the implementation language. Java is an instantly-recognizable brand name, and Sun has an interest, even a financial responsibility to their shareholders, in promoting that brand.

        Second, does the name "Sun Java Desktop" imply implemenaton in Java? Sure you could choose to see it that way, but it doesn't actually CLAIM to be implemented in Java. It might merely imply it's a good platform for running Java applications.

      • A lot of thought should go into a program's name, but one of the things that matters the least is trying to reflect in the name the language or GUI kit used to develop it.


        That's only true if there is no benefit in leveraging said language. With Java there is, especially because it means different things to different people.

  • Reviewer Missed the Point... (Score:2, Informative)

    by Anonymous Coward
    It's amazing that Mad Pengiun spent the most time complaining about where GIMP was and the underpowered media player--two things that have no real place in the target market (the average task worker has no more business using the GIMP than making PowerPoint presentations).

    Documentation and Administration are two obvious pitfalls with the package (and both are recognized by Sun). Most of the complaints however have nothing to do with a _business_ oriented distribution.

    In other words, this (1) wasn't a ver

  • Obligatory Disclaimer (Score:5, Informative)

    by fm6 ( 162816 ) on Saturday January 31, 2004 @08:24PM (#8147323) Homepage Journal
    The "Java" in "Java Desktop" is just a brand, not a technology descriptor.
    • If Sun loves Java so much then why don't they rename Solaris to something like JavaOS?

      I can imagine other Java products from Sun too, like JavaCPU (former Sparc).

      • There actually was a JavaOS for a while. Meant to run on a Java-based diskless workstation. One of those "network computer" concepts that was going to demolish Windows.

        Sun will never rename Solaris or any of its other well-established brands. Not because it would be dumb. But because they're totally in love with the idea of "selling the brand". Which means that you don't get rid of brands that are working for you. (Good idea!) It also means you try an squeeze everything you can out of your best brands, ev

  • ...and as long as they follow through on the promised support, especially migration support, I'll be satisfied.
  • As far as I can tell Java Desktop only has the following to do with Java: It has the Java SDK and VM installed on it It can use JavaCard authentication It can use SunOne server as a authentication server. This isn't anything and Linux, BSD or indeed Windows box couldn't do either. So Java Desktop is Linux distro with a few Java applications.

  • ugly themege (Score:2, Insightful)

    by joejg ( 633973 )
    I have to admit I have always been very critical of sun's software, but this 'java desktop system' seems like one of the lamest distro's ever. There really isn't an innovative thing in it (which is the only reason to make a new distro IMHO) besides including the java plugin for mozilla. The theme, which makes everything look like it was written with the java gui api is awful. I think they would have been better off if they just shipped XD2 on there hardware.
  • Because i tried out Morphix [morphix.org], the rocking liveCD distro that Sun SEEMS to have ripped off, see "Morphix goes stellar" news item [sourceforge.net] and later follow-ups.

  • A REAL Java OS (Score:3, Informative)

    by TheRealMindChild ( 743925 ) on Sunday February 01, 2004 @08:55PM (#8155122) Homepage Journal
    Here is what you would think of when you hear "Java Operating System"

    JNode [sourceforge.net]

  • great desktop, not much user support (Score:1, Informative)

    by Anonymous Coward
    I moved to Sun Java Desktop OS from RedHat 9.0, the day it came out. I had tried Sun Java Desktop few mnths before it started shipping. I must say Sun did a great job on the OS. No complaints there.

    However it is lacking good customer service/support. Since service is included in the cost of the OS, I though I might as well test their reponse time. When I called the support center, I had to leave a message. I did receive a call back from within 2 hours, but I missed it as I steppd out for a meeting. After
  • I might be interested in this when project looking glass is "finished", but in the meantime are there any useable 3d window managers/desktop... things about?
  • THe topic is interesting!

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