Java 1.4.2-where to download?

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Level 1

8 points

Java 1.4.2-where to download?

For a work application accessed over the internet, I need to run java 1.4.2 specifically. I haven't been able to find a site to download this yet--does anyone have a link I could use? (no longer supported by Sun) FYI--using current MBP, Snow Leopard. Additional question--since 1.4.2 is old, is it likely to work or not under Snow Leopard?
Thanks.

iMac 24" intel, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Dec 18, 2009 10:10 AM

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Answer 1

F Shippey

Level 7

21,500 points

Dec 18, 2009 10:54 AM in response to michael969

The following date back to 2004 and 2005.

Java Update 1.4.2 Update 2
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL549

Java Update 1.4.2 Update 1
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL562

Java 1.3.1 and 1.4.2 Release 2
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL441
Java 2 Platform Standard Edition (J2SE) 1.3.1 and 1.4.2 Release 2 improves functionality of J2SE 1.4.2 on Mac OS X v. 10.4 Tiger and updates

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Answer 2

eww

Level 9

53,052 points

Dec 18, 2009 11:13 AM in response to michael969

Even if you can find Java 1.4.2 and install it in SL and you find that SL and Safari 4 can handle it, the chances are very good that other web sites you need to access will require the newer Java version you've replaced with the old one, and therefore they won't work properly, or at all.

This may be a case where it will pay to keep an older Mac with an older OS and Java 1.42 installed on it, for the specific purpose of accessing this outdated application. Of course if you're going to be on the road a lot and carrying only one computer, that may not be practicable.

You may (or may not) find some useful information here:

http://developer.apple.com/java/

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Answer 3

eww

Level 9

53,052 points

Dec 18, 2009 10:27 AM in response to michael969

An application that specifically requires an antique version of Java is an application with at least one foot in the grave. Have you asked the developer when they're going to update the app for compatibility with today's Java, or is the developer already in the grave? If so, it's time to look for another app to use.

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Answer 4

michael969 Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 18, 2009 10:41 AM in response to eww

Granted, the application is antique as you say, but the choice of software & cost of upgrading, support etc is not mine but the work institution's responsibility. Bottom line--it is out of my hands. From past experience, it will not support another Java version.
(the software being accessed will be upgraded in 2010 but that could be as much as 12 months from now & in the meantime, I need access)

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Answer 5

michael969 Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 19, 2009 8:24 AM in response to eww

Thanks for the replies above. So far, no joy--when I download the 3rd link above from F Shippey, it won't install under SL (can't remember the message b/c I'm @ work today). Oddly, I can download Java 1.4.2 from Sun's archive for Windows or Linux but there is no option for Mac--there must be something specifically unique about how OSX handles Java.
Under previous Leopard, I was able to keep 1.4.2 as well as more modern version for other websites and just choose which one to use under Utilities->Java->Preferences. (drag 1.4.2 to top of list to use it) Not sure why SL doesn't allow that same possibility of having multiple versions of Java from which to choose.
My other options include: 1.Linux--I have desktop & laptop but that opens another can of worms trying to negotiate with the Checkpoint secure remote. or 2.Windows--use in a virtual machine. However, would love to find a mac solution to get back the functionality I had with Leopard. 3. 'Downgrade' back to Leopard.
Please advise if you have other suggestions.

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Answer 6

eww

Level 9

53,052 points

Dec 19, 2009 1:09 PM in response to michael969

...there must be something specifically unique about how OSX handles Java.

I don't know nearly enough about Java to have any idea why Apple develops its own Java updates and upgrades for OS X. But as long as it does, there's zero incentive for Sun to develop any — in fact the incentive is all the other way.

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Answer 7

F Shippey

Level 7

21,500 points

Dec 18, 2009 10:21 AM in response to michael969

This is the latest Java update for Snow Leopard: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL972

It updates Java SE 6 to version 1.6.0_17

Have you tried it?

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