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Another Review on Sun's Java Desktop

Posted by Cliff on from the as-the-mad-penguin-dances dept.

An anonymous reader inputs: "Mad Penguin has posted a comprehensive review of Sun's JDS 2003 Linux distribution, and it is one of the most honest I have seen: "The developers behind this effort need to focus on what makes a desktop OS great: ease of use, multimedia support, and simple/accessible networking features." Without that, the author says that the distro cannot survive. there was also mention of Project Looking Glass, a 3D java desktop environment for Linux that is still under heavy development." Compare this review with the first one that was posted, back in December.

25 comments

  1. paraphrasing jurassic park by ru-486 · · Score: 2, Funny

    "...Project Looking Glass, a 3D java desktop environment for Linux..." young boy: "...hey, it's a linux system"

    1. Re:paraphrasing jurassic park by Oen_Seneg · · Score: 1

      All we need is a matching filesystem visualiser then :D

    2. Re:paraphrasing jurassic park by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It was a girl and it was unix, better luck next time

  2. J all over the world by FePe · · Score: 5, Funny
    It's been hard living with the "k" prefix in application names. And now it's going to be even harder living in this world with all these applications like JDictionary, JGraphpad, JDiskReport...

    Check this screenshot for example.

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    "Until you do what you believe in, how do you know whether you believe in it or not?" -- Leo Tolstoy
    1. Re:J all over the world by rhild · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I have to agree with you on this one. Most end users have zero interest in what language was used to develop some program. They just want it to work, look nice, and not surprise them in unpleasant ways.

      A lot of thought should go into a program's name, but one of the things that matters the least is trying to reflect in the name the language or GUI kit used to develop it.

    2. Re:J all over the world by Jahf · · Score: 2, Interesting

      JDS isn't targetted at "most end users". It is being developed as a distribution that fits well into the enterprise. The admin who runs the JDS desktops may very well remove those items from the menus anyway.

      Additionally, remember that is a 1.0 product. It's going to be a couple of years before it is fully matured.

      Also, Sun has a vested interest in a) showcasing the Java desktop apps and b) giving some meaning to the "Java" in Java Desktop System.

      --
      It is more productive to voice thoughtful opinions (reply) than to judge (moderate) others.
    3. Re:J all over the world by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Ahhhh, the wonders of marketing ...

    4. Re:J all over the world by fhmiv · · Score: 1
      First, Sun might include Java in the name regardless of the implementation language. Java is an instantly-recognizable brand name, and Sun has an interest, even a financial responsibility to their shareholders, in promoting that brand.

      Second, does the name "Sun Java Desktop" imply implemenaton in Java? Sure you could choose to see it that way, but it doesn't actually CLAIM to be implemented in Java. It might merely imply it's a good platform for running Java applications.

    5. Re:J all over the world by leerpm · · Score: 1

      But I think they are over-exposing the Java brand here. Microsoft ran into this problem with .Net, as their marketing department went crazy and started labelling everything with .Net.

      I would hate to see Sun make the same mistake, especially considering they have the advantage of seeing what Microsoft did previously.

    6. Re:J all over the world by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      Unfortunately if it is a mistake it is already too late ... Java (Desktop|Enterprise|Mobility|etc) System are already rebranded.

      It's an issue we deal with at every press conference, trade show, etc. One thing that is important to realize is that the product groups had no real input in the decision, it came down from on high.

    7. Re:J all over the world by n.o.d.y.n.e · · Score: 1

      A lot of thought should go into a program's name, but one of the things that matters the least is trying to reflect in the name the language or GUI kit used to develop it.


      That's only true if there is no benefit in leveraging said language. With Java there is, especially because it means different things to different people.

      --
      Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently. - Henry Ford
  3. Reviewer Missed the Point... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    It's amazing that Mad Pengiun spent the most time complaining about where GIMP was and the underpowered media player--two things that have no real place in the target market (the average task worker has no more business using the GIMP than making PowerPoint presentations).

    Documentation and Administration are two obvious pitfalls with the package (and both are recognized by Sun). Most of the complaints however have nothing to do with a _business_ oriented distribution.

    In other words, this (1) wasn't a very in-depth review and (2) reviewed the product for the wrong target market.

  4. Obligatory Disclaimer by fm6 · · Score: 4, Informative

    The "Java" in "Java Desktop" is just a brand, not a technology descriptor.

    1. Re:Obligatory Disclaimer by axxackall · · Score: 1
      If Sun loves Java so much then why don't they rename Solaris to something like JavaOS?

      I can imagine other Java products from Sun too, like JavaCPU (former Sparc).

      --

      Less is more !
    2. Re:Obligatory Disclaimer by fm6 · · Score: 1
      There actually was a JavaOS for a while. Meant to run on a Java-based diskless workstation. One of those "network computer" concepts that was going to demolish Windows.

      Sun will never rename Solaris or any of its other well-established brands. Not because it would be dumb. But because they're totally in love with the idea of "selling the brand". Which means that you don't get rid of brands that are working for you. (Good idea!) It also means you try an squeeze everything you can out of your best brands, even if it destroys any meaning for the name. (Not so good.)

  5. I'll still get it by DynaSoar · · Score: 1

    ...and as long as they follow through on the promised support, especially migration support, I'll be satisfied.

    --
    "I may be synthetic, but I'm not stupid." -- Bishop 341-B
  6. What Java? by barcodez · · Score: 0

    As far as I can tell Java Desktop only has the following to do with Java: It has the Java SDK and VM installed on it It can use JavaCard authentication It can use SunOne server as a authentication server. This isn't anything and Linux, BSD or indeed Windows box couldn't do either. So Java Desktop is Linux distro with a few Java applications.

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  7. ugly themege by joejg · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I have to admit I have always been very critical of sun's software, but this 'java desktop system' seems like one of the lamest distro's ever. There really isn't an innovative thing in it (which is the only reason to make a new distro IMHO) besides including the java plugin for mozilla. The theme, which makes everything look like it was written with the java gui api is awful. I think they would have been better off if they just shipped XD2 on there hardware.

    1. Re:ugly themege by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      so you basically have a problem with java. and sun and anything that comes from the because of the theme

      wow

  8. This is the bomb by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Sweet. It sure makes great Eyecandy, and you can bet Sun is a company that has the ability and hopefully the Will, to get Linux into the Desktop market (software and possibly hardware wise). The only thing I don't want is another non-x86 platform and the need to compile all your applications (somethign that isn't even an option for commercial and closed source apps). IMO, I think history has proven fragmentation is the bane of Unix. So, unless is has emulation capability, Sun hardware on the desktop looks like a long shot.

  9. I'm sure this Java Desktop rocks... by marcello_dl · · Score: 1

    Because i tried out Morphix, the rocking liveCD distro that Sun SEEMS to have ripped off, see "Morphix goes stellar" news item and later follow-ups.

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    ---- MISSING MISCELLANEOUS DATA SEGMENT --- [sigdash] trolololol
  10. A REAL Java OS by TheRealMindChild · · Score: 2, Informative

    Here is what you would think of when you hear "Java Operating System"

    JNode

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    "When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade. Make life take the lemons back!" -- Cave Johnson
  11. great desktop, not much user support by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    I moved to Sun Java Desktop OS from RedHat 9.0, the day it came out. I had tried Sun Java Desktop few mnths before it started shipping. I must say Sun did a great job on the OS. No complaints there.

    However it is lacking good customer service/support. Since service is included in the cost of the OS, I though I might as well test their reponse time. When I called the support center, I had to leave a message. I did receive a call back from within 2 hours, but I missed it as I steppd out for a meeting. After that I didn't hear from them.

    Support forums are very useful. Users helping other users. It always works!!! :)

    Oh and btw I was frustrated by the registration code as well. :)

    otherwise it is a very good distro :)

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    http://validate.sf.net

  12. Other 3d desktops by PTDC · · Score: 1

    I might be interested in this when project looking glass is "finished", but in the meantime are there any useable 3d window managers/desktop... things about?

  13. Good topic by reflexreaction · · Score: 1

    THe topic is interesting!

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    We had to destroy the sig to save the sig.