New Sun software lets older PCs run Java

July 1, 1998 — In a bid to extend the reach of its Java programming language, Sun Microsystems Inc. this week released software that allows PCs running DOS and Windows 3.x to also run Java applications.

Java programs can run on Windows 95- and NT-based systems through special software included in most recent Internet browsers, or through features built into the operating system itself. But older Windows operating systems won’t run browsers that support Java programs built using the latest development tools, and have no native support for Java, said Andrew Shikiar, a Sun spokesman.

To solve that problem Sun developed JavaPC Engine 1.0. The software allows businesses to deploy applications compliant with Sun’s Java Development Kit (JDK) 1.1 across a network, while maintaining access to their existing DOS and Microsoft Windows programs, the company said.

Providing that dual functionality in desktops will allow IS managers to switch over at their own pace from PC-based computing to a network computing environment, Sun said.

Sun hopes enterprise software and PC vendors will offer JavaPC Engine as an option with their products to provide added functionality for their customers. The software can also be purchased directly from Sun, priced at US9 per user. Volume discounts are also available, the company said.

JavaPC Engine 1.0 works on most standard PCs running 486-type and Pentium processors, and will not overwrite a user’s current files and applications, Sun said.

The software includes the class libraries and Java virtual machine that allows users to run applications based on JDK 1.1 software. A second version of the software is expected to be released later this year that will include a fully Java-enabled browser, as well as an enhanced user interface, the company said.