Can a Java applet do this?

Can a java applet on a web page run on the user's machine and download files and launch on their computer? I'm just trying to find out what permissions a java applet can have.

I need the user to click on a web page and have an applet check to see if a program is on their computer and either download/update or just run it if it is there. I noticed gotomypc.com and glance.net uses java.

I know I could do this with an activex but these other places used java so I'm wondering if there is an advantage for it? Its only going to be on XP machines anyways but just want to see what java can do.

Thanks!

Warren

I would like to know this too.

I'm not a java programmer but after reading some web sites, what about:

RunTime.getRuntime.exec

Can this be used in a java applet to launch an exe?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WarrenW

I'm not a java programmer but after reading some web sites, what about:

RunTime.getRuntime.exec

Can this be used in a java applet to launch an exe?

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Yes, if signed with a valid class-1 certificate

Thanks for letting me know this. I do plan on having one signed. Just have to find someone I can pay to write the applet for me now.

Btw, will the user have to download any java runtime libs to run the applet first or will it all be smooth sailing to launch it as long as the browser has java applets enabled?

Thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WarrenW

Thanks for letting me know this. I do plan on having one signed. Just have to find someone I can pay to write the applet for me now.

Btw, will the user have to download any java runtime libs to run the applet first or will it all be smooth sailing to launch it as long as the browser has java applets enabled?

Thanks

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Even if you have Java enabled in your browser, you still have to install the JRE to run java on your machine, so basically you should provide a link like all other sites do

Like CJ said, you have to sign the applet, but the chances of somebody accepting a certificate from a probably "not well known site" is slim. (I know I don't). I find signing applets to be a pain the buttox.