Introduction to Simple Desktop for Java

Simple Desktop for Java is set of bureau utilities and tools that are useful for every Intranet environment. Client side runs as an applet in a browser. Its executable (bytecode) is small and therefore very fast-downloadable (presuming that high-speed network links fast enough for Network Computing are used). Number of images and sounds was limited to the minimal possible number to speed up boot-up time. Desktop runs only under Java 1.1 capable browsers (Netscape Communicator 4.03+ with PATCH and Sun HotJava 1.1). It also includes RMI server to do I/O operations and access every database with proper JDBC driver (MS Access or any other database with jdbc access).

Utilities that are included in Simple Desktop for Java are:

• desktop. It includes digital clock, date, multi-info message banner, image and sound authorization, ability to access common desktop settings, simple on-line help and working panel that contains included applications.
  
  
• alarm. Scheduler has four sound themes and warns user when alarm is activated. Schedule info includes every neccessary information (title, for who, with who, location, phone number and time) that user needs to know. If you missed alarm when computer was off, alarm is always fired on next login.
  
  
• calendar. It can show any month in every year. It doesn't have year 2000 bug so you can use it beyond year of '99. If you click on date button you can set wanted alarm.
  
  
• calculator. It has all basic and some scientific functions (sin, cos, tan, log,...). You can choose between three angle modes (deg, rad and grad). It can be operated via mouse or via keyboard.
  
  
• phonebook. It is capable of storing name, sex, title, company name, address, phone number, fax number and e-mail. When searching a person it finds all persons that contains wanted substring. With alphabethical buttons there is faster way to jump to specific family name.
  
  
• scratchbook. It exchanges classical business diary that is useful for various notes and scratches. Date of entry is automaticly added (circled) when entry is added.
  
  
• planner. Every planned action should be put into planner. Each action contains title and occupies 30 minutes of specific time (from 0h to 23h30m). Optionally warning alarm can be added to every planned action.
  
  
• minesweeper. Famous game is included to relax for a while during extreme hard work or workless waiting (for a phone call or someething).
  
  
• x-database. Adds capability of JDBC access to any database with dynamic table creation via server initialization file. Select, update, insert and delete SQL commands are implemented via graphical user-friendly approach.
  
  
• RMI server. It provides I/O and DB access on server side. It also checks user authorization. RMI server must run on web server side.
  
  

See preview of Simple Desktop for java.

Minimum client configuration:

• at least PC with Pentium (P200 or higher recommended), Mac with PowerPC, Network Computer or something at least so power as Pentium is,
• at least 16MB of memory,
• at least 2.5MB free disk space on server side,
• at least 800x600 (with 65K of colors) SVGA graphic card and
• at least 8-bit sound card.