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FAQ: No Java

Why does my browser say "Sorry, this page requires a Java-compatible Web browser" when I view a Web page with JavaSketchpad illustrations?

A browser must be both Java-compatible and be Java-enabled in order to view applets such as JavaSketchpad. There are several reasons why your browser might not be compatible with Java or not have Java enabled.

1. If you are using Internet Explorer 7 on Microsoft Windows:

Step 1. Allow Active Content.

*If you see the Information bar, "To help protect your security, Internet Explorer has restricted this webpage from running scripts or ActiveX controls that could access your computer. Click here for options. . ." Choose the option Allow Blocked Content.

*If you see the dialog: "Information bar. Did you notice the information bar? . . ." Dismiss this dialog and make the change using the Information Bar.

Step 2. Check to see if Java is disabled in your browser. IE7 might put up a brief warning that says, "Add-On Disabled. This webpage is requesting an add-on that is disabled. Click here to enable this add-on."

Or, at right, there is a gear icon with an option for Tools. Select from the menu Tools | Manage Add-Ons | Enable or Disable Add-Ons.

If there is no section called Disabled, proceed to step 4.

If a component name under Disabled includes "Java," select it and then click the Enable radio button under the Settings section.

Step 3. Refresh the page (F5, or View | Refresh)

If Java is installed, the JavaSketch will load successfully.

If Java is not installed, proceed to Step 4.

Step 4. Install Java.

For further information and downloading instructions, please visit http://www.sun.com/getjava.

2. If you are using other versions of Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari:

Some versions of today's popular browsers support Java applets, but require that you explictly "enable" Java before using them. Please check your browser's Settings, Preferences, or Options to see if there is a checkbox for enabling Java content. If so, you need check it only once; after that, Java will remain enabled until you clear the checkbox.

3. If you are using a very old or an experimental browser:

Some browsers are simply incapable of supporting Java. This includes versions 1 and 2 of Internet Explorer and Netscape, other very old browsers, some text-based browsers, and some experimental or prototype browsers. In order to use Java, you will need to switch to a different browser. If you are using a Windows, Macintosh, or Linux operating system, there are a host of professional browsers you can choose from. The most widely used are:

For more information about Java browsers and Java availability, please visit Sun Microsystems at http://www.sun.com/getjava.