Apache OpenOffice (AOO) Bugzilla – Issue 18499
Summarize the OOo functions that use Java in a user FAQ
Last modified: 2006-04-04 07:48:25 UTC
Constantly recurring questions: On install, OOo can't find java on my computer. 1. Why do I need it? 2. Where can I get it? 3. How do I install it and get OOo to recognize it? I find absolutely nothing on the website to address these topics to the typcical user.
set component.
I haved added to http://download.openoffice.org/2.0beta/instructions.html In the "Review the System Requirements" section I have added: "Java is required to use the new embedded Java technology based HSQLDB database engine, and or make use of accessibility and assistive technologies. If you do not require database tables or accessibility integration, then you do not need to download and install Java." And a separate section for Java, following the "Reveiw the System Requirements": "Install Java JRE (if required) If you do not require Java or already have it installed on your system, skip to Download OpenOffice.org 2.0 Beta section. 1. Java (JRE/JDK) may be downloaded from www.java.com depending on your needs. 2. Click on the "Java Software Download" button. 3. For more details, see Download Instructions for Windows offline and Windows manual installation on the Java web site. " Please let me know what else you would like to add or change.
The entire reason for raising this issue, if my memory will go back that far, was the number of questions about it on the users lists, the vague responses given by other well-meaning users, and the FUD created as a result. I made what I thought was a suggestion for a simple solution to correct the root cause of the FUD. Of course, I naively assumed newbies might actually read the FAQs to attempt to find a solution on their own before hitting the lists. The problem still exists in this writeup. For example, what are the "accessibility and assistive technologies" that require JRE? Frankly, as it appears a definitive list isn't easily produced, I would simply state that the JRE. version 1.4 or later, is used by all versions of OOo, is available from www.java.com, and should be installed prior to installing OOo of any version. It is probably wise to also provide instructions for post-OOo installation to have OOo recognize the JRE. Try to not leave even semi-technical decisions to be made by people who also ask questions like "I just downloaded, but I don't find an icon to start your program," or, "How do I download," or, "Your program just ate all my files. How do I get rid of it/get them back?" I apologize for not making some of these same points in the original writeup, but I was younger then.
I started documenting this on http://translation.services.openoffice.org/twiki/bin/view/Main/OOoJava please feel free to add any further information, e.g. a list of recognized and tested JRE would be helpful.
most question are answered on http://translation.services.openoffice.org/twiki/bin/view/Main/OOoJava
close issue.