System Requirements
for Full
Use of this Web Site
Hypertext, Simulations, Computer
This site requires a browser capable of using frames -- any recent browser (e.g., Netscape 2.x or later) will handle this requirement. (For more information on where to download recent browsers, see below or press here)
What is Java and What is Different About how (read if curious, if not press here) Most programs are compiled for specific computers. The compilation process helps to optimize the program to run on that type of machine. However, it also means that the program will not run on different types of machines -- Mac programs don't run on Windows or Unix boxes. Java was designed to allow for truly portable programs ("one program, all platforms" -- originally Java was intended to program smart appliances, not to run internet programs!). This portability is achieved by running a computer-specific program, termed an "interpreter" or "runtime environment". This interpreter is essentially a virtual (software) computer running inside of the physical machine (for example, it is a program running inside of my G3 Mac). It takes the Java program and makes its instructions (especially the ones involving interfaces between the computer and user) "understandable" to the main machine. Thus, what is different about Java on different machines are the Java interpreters -- they must be created to interpret Java instructions for machines that "speak" different languages (e.g., Mac OS, Windows, Unix). Java Run-Time machines are either included as parts of web browsers or they are add-in parts of the computer's operating system and are used to run Java applications. While this extra step saves Java programmers lots of work, it adds an extra step in execution and therefore slows down Java programs (compared to programs that do not need a virtual machine). However, if the programs are small (such as the ones at this site) and the machine is fast, the slow down is not really noticeable. |
The real usefulness of this site lies in its simulations -- excellent text treatments of game theory already exist in any number of books. Each simulation is in two forms: a Java Applet and a Java Application. There are no differences in the actions, or "look and feel" of these versions -- for example, the Hawks and Doves applet and application behave identically and have the same user interface. What then are the relative advantages and disadvantages of each?
Applet Versions must be run from within a fully Java-enabled web browser. For our purposes, this means that you must be using either:
Press on any of the links above to download these browsers or press here to view a page with links to browsers, Java Run-time engines, and decompression software.
| !Important Note: Although Netscape 3.x supposedly supports Java on a Mac, it does so incompletely. Thus, the applets will not work with Netscape 3.x on a Macintosh. |
Application Versions: These simulations have always been intended to be run as applets. This allows their seamless use with the accompanying hypertext available at this website. However there are at least three reasons why one might not wish to use the applets:
For these reasons, the simulations are also provided as applications.
| Java Applications and Program Execution Speed: While these programs are relatively small, nevertheless, as with any interpreted program they will run more slowly than a native program. See below for suggestions with respect to computer speed. |
Stand-alone versions are programs that will work on Macs that are fully Java-enabled. For most people, this will mean machines either using either:
Important Note to Windows Users Since Windows '95 and '98 are not Java-enabled, and since the installation of Java is tricky (and I don't wish to be dragged into supporting this), I have decided not to offer application versions for windows at this point. Anyone running windows who has Java installed can email me for the class files. |
As was mentioned above, Java programs (applets and applications) must first pass through an interpreter step before they run on a particular computer. By contrast, native programs do not require this step. Thus, Java programs run more slowly than those compiled specifically for a certain platform. Slow running does not preclude using these programs but they are most enjoyable on a fast computer such as a G3 or 604 Power Mac or a fast Pentium or Pentium II (but I have seen them run on fast 601 and 603 Macs and even 486 Windows machines).
Large amounts of memory are not required: The simulations are relatively small.
Copyright © 1999 by Kenneth N. Prestwich About Fair Use of these materials Last modified 3 - 23- 99 |