About Java™ Applets

Java, JavaScript, and ActiveX are technologies that give interactivity to Web-sites and make your web browsing experience more enjoyable and convenient. However, if used improperly or maliciously, these technologies can cause nasty problems to your computer or network. The SOULBOYS Applets are 100% virus free!

Your ability to view Java Applets depends on three things:

  • Browser software you are using
  • Security settings on your computer
  • Display settings on your computer

In terms of the right computer to use, even though you can run Java on a 486 PC computer with only 8 Megabytes of memory (or equivalent), you would need to be very patient.

I've compiled this help page for users of Windows 95/98 and Internet Explorer or Communicator - for setting up your computer to view Java. This will also tell you how to change your "Security" preferences and how to put this site in a trusted zone in Internet Explorer. It's a lot easier than it sounds!

1. BROWSER COMPATIBILITY

In order to be able to run Java you need to use

  • Netscape Navigator version 3.1
  • Netscape Communicator version 4 or higher
  • Internet Explorer version 4 or higher
  • Hotjava browser in any version.

Some of these games will only run on the newest version of your browser. If you are using an older version of one of these browsers, why not upgrade to the latest version? Unless you are constrained by the computer you are using (e.g. it's not yours, it's old, it hasn't got enough memory ) there's no reason for you not to get the latest browser - they are always free and available for download or on the coverdisk of most Internet magazines.

2. BROWSER SECURITY SETTINGS

If you're worried about security on your computer, all I can say is that I've surfed a helluva lot over the years, always on low security, and haven't picked up a virus yet. That's not to say they don't exist - they certainly do, but IMHO you're far more likely to get one in a Word Document or Application by e-mail.

If your computer is on a shared network (e.g. Windows NT or Unix environment), with high security levels or Firewalls in place, you may not have access to any security settings on your machine. In this case you will need to be nice to your network administrator and request that this Web-site is put in a trusted zone if possible. It's worth giving the below a try though.

Security Settings - Internet Explorer

If you are using Internet Explorer, make sure Java is enabled by:

Internet Explorer 4.0x

Click Options under the View menu, then select the Advanced tab. Scroll down to JIT Java Compiler and make sure it is checked.

Internet Explorer 5.0x

Click Internet Options under the Tools menu, then select the Advanced tab. Scroll down to JIT Java Compiler and make sure it is checked.


Security Options

Internet Explorer 4.0x

Click Options under the View menu, then select the Security tab. Either add this site to your Trusted Zone, or reset the Internet Zone to LOW SECURITY

Internet Explorer 5.0x

Click Internet Options under the Tools menu, then select the Security tab. Either add this site to your Trusted Zone, or reset the Internet Zone to LOW SECURITY


Internet Explorer lets you put Web sites into different 'zones' and then you can set the security level for each individual 'zone' separately

  • Internet Zone - This is the default zone for all Internet sites. Unless you specifically add a particular Web sites into one of the other zones, it will use the security settings for this zone.
    If you want access to all active content on all Web sites move the slider to low or medium-low.
  • Local Intranet Zone - If you are on a network, this zone contains all the Web sites on your organization's network.
  • Trusted Sites Zone - This zone contains sites with active content that you trust not to damage your computer.
    To add http://www.soulboys.co.uk to your trusted sites, click on the "Sites.." button and add the URL - you will not then need to change any other security settings
  • Restricted Sites Zone - This zone contains sites with active content that may potentially damage your computer. I can't think of any

Security Settings - Netscape

If you are using Netscape, make sure Java is enabled by:

Netscape Communicator 4.0x

Click Preferences under the Edit menu, then look at the Advanced folder. Click on Enable Java.

Netscape Navigator 3.0x

Click Network Preferences under the Options menu. Security settings
are found under the Protocols and Languages tabs. Click on Enable Java.


Even though Netscape only supports Java and JavaScript rather than the potentially more dangerous ActiveX, there are still security risks from malicious code.

Security Options

Enable JavaScript

Default Setting: Enabled
This setting will allow JavaScript to run in your browser. If you require maximum security this option should be disabled.

Enable Java

Default Setting: Enabled
This setting will allow Java Applets to run in your browser. If you require maximum security this option should be disabled.

3. DISPLAY PROPERTIES

Web-sites and the things they contain will look different at different sizes (resolution) and colour depths. This site and the Applets have been designed for Screen Area of 800 x 600 or 1024 x 768 pixels - and it will look best at 16bit High Colour or better.

These settings are found in Windows - Control Panel - Display, or by right clicking on your Desktop and choosing Properties. Choose the Settings tab. Set the colour and screen size to what you prefer.