Glossary

API Application Programming Interface. A set of classes used by programmers to write applications, which provide standard methods and interfaces and eliminate the need for programmers to reinvent commonly used code.

AMS Application Management Service. The system functionality that completes tasks such as installing applications, updating applications, and switching foregrounds.

Application list The screen that lists all of the installed applications. The user gets to this screen by pressing the Apps soft key on the home screen. The application list uses text color to show which applications are running. It also provides a system menu that enables the user to perform application management tasks on the highlighted application.

Background An application state in which the application does not receive events from its

input stream and its displayable is not rendered to the screen.

CDC Connected Device Configuration. A Java ME platform configuration for devices, it requires a minimum of 2 megabytes of memory and a network connection that is always on.

CLDC Connected Limited Device Configuration. A Java ME platform configuration for devices with less than 512 kilobytes of RAM and an intermittent (limited) network connection, it uses a stripped-down Java virtual machine called the KVM, as well as several minimalist Java platform APIs for application services.

Configuration Defines the minimum Java runtime environment (for example, the combination of a Java virtual machine and a core set of Java platform APIs) for a family of Java ME platform devices.

Foreground The application state in which the application is rendered to the device display and the input stream is passed to it.

Foreground switching Changing which application is in the foreground by shifting the focus from one application to another.

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Sun Microsystems 2 manual Glossary
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2 specifications

Sun Microsystems, founded in 1982, was a significant player in the computing industry, best known for its innovative technology solutions and workstations, particularly the Sun-4, which represented a key milestone in the company's history. The Sun-4 architecture, launched in 1987, utilized the SPARC (Scalable Processor Architecture) RISC processor, notable for its high performance and scalability.

One of the primary features of Sun Microsystems' platforms was their ability to efficiently handle multitasking and resource management, making them ideal for enterprise-level applications and development environments. Sun-4 workstations boasted impressive graphics capabilities with the addition of advanced graphical user interfaces, support for color displays, and the SUNVIEW windowing system, which enhanced user experience and productivity.

The Sun-4 systems also supported the SunOS operating system, which was based on UNIX. This operating system was engineered for stability and robustness, offering features like multiuser support, networked environments, and advanced security options. Moreover, SunOS provided seamless integration with various programming languages, including C and C++, facilitating software development that aligned with industry standards.

Another standout characteristic of Sun Microsystems was its commitment to open systems and standards. By providing developers with comprehensive tools and environments, such as the Standardized Application Programming Interface (API) and support for networking protocols, Sun facilitated interoperability among different computing platforms. The emphasis on open architecture also meant that customers could easily upgrade their systems without being locked into proprietary solutions.

Sun Microsystems was also ahead of its time with innovations in network computing. Their workstations were among the first to support network file systems and distributed computing concepts, enabling seamless data sharing across multiple systems. With the introduction of the Network File System (NFS), Sun revolutionized how data was accessed and managed across networks, which played a significant role in the evolving landscape of client-server computing.

In summary, the Sun Microsystems 2 and its successive innovations in workstation technology highlighted the company's forward-thinking approach. By integrating powerful performance with open systems, robust operating systems, and advanced networking capabilities, Sun laid the groundwork for modern computing, influencing various sectors from academia to enterprise solutions. Even after its acquisition by Oracle in 2010, the legacy of Sun Microsystems continues to be felt across the computing industry.
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