Java, originally developed by Sun Microcomputers, Inc., is one of the latest computer languages for the Internet. It allows small programs--such as a stock ticker--to execute on your computer through an Internet web browser (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer). Java is not meant to be a full-blown development language like Visual Basic or COBOL; it is more like a scripting language such as VBScript.
The Java Console menu option available in Internet Explorer is not a Java development editor. Rather, its purpose is to give you a chance to see some basic information about the Microsoft virtual machine (VM) for Java, which is built into Windows 98. To use the Java Console, do the following:
The keyboard that came with your PC is a very important piece of hardware. Without it, it would be virtually impossible to use your PC or any of the programs installed on it.
Although your keyboard might appear to be working just fine, Windows 98 provides a few configuration options that can help you tweak your keyboard to make it a bit more to your liking. To configure your keyboard, do the fol-lowing:
NOTE: The Character Repeat section of the Speed tab enables you to specify how quickly or slowly a character repeats itself on your computer's monitor if you hold down that character's key. Use the test box on the screen to determine through trial and error which setting is best suited to your tastes.
NOTE: The Cursor Blink Rate area enables you to specify how quickly or slowly the mouse cursor shown on your computer monitor blinks on and off. Play around with this setting until you discover the right one for you.
NOTE: You can specify that any of a number of languages be used, and you can increase the number of available languages by installing Windows 98's five additional language-support features (Baltic, Central European, Cyrillic, Greek, and Turkish). For information about installing these features, refer to the sections titled "Add/Remove Programs" and "Multilanguage Support."
NOTE: If you install a language that you don't understand, it is possible to completely mess up your computing environment. This can be fixed only through this Keyboard Properties screen, so either memorize where the various buttons you'll need to use on that screen are placed, or make sure that you are fluent in the language you are installing.
A LAN (an acronym for local area network) usually consists of a small group of PCs used to control file and print services, user access permissions, and the like. Typically, a LAN's purpose is to facilitate the sharing of files and data in a local group of PCs (such as a human resources department), and to permit many people to print to a limited number of networked printers.
NOTE: A LAN without at least one server is considered to be a peer-to-peer network, which means that all logon and access security must be controlled on each individual PC. Likewise, a LAN with one or more servers usually has the LAN's security authentication and printer access controlled by just a few of the servers.
Windows 98 uses a software programming feature known as a list box throughout the operating system. List boxes usually contain a list of items or options from which you are to select one. The primary purpose of a list box is to limit the choices for whatever you are attempting to do.
A local printer is one that is physically attached to your computer, and may be any type of Windows 98-compatible printer. This is not a printer that you would find by using the Network Neighborhood icon on the Windows 98 desktop.
The logoff process for Windows 98 is useful only when multiple persons use the same computer. If only one user works on a certain PC, the shutdown process would be used.
In the event that multiple users use your PC, you should log off by doing the following:
NOTE: The current user's name automatically appears, so you do not need to figure out who is already logged on to the computer.
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