GCF Generic Connection Framework. A part of CLDC, it improves network connectivity for wireless devices.

Home screen The main screen of the application manager. This is the screen the user sees after they exit an application.

HTTP HyperText Transfer Protocol. The most commonly used Internet protocol, based on TCP/IP, which is used to fetch documents and other hypertext objects from remote hosts.

HTTPS Secure HyperText Transfer Protocol. A protocol for transferring encrypted hypertext data using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology.

JAD file Java Application Descriptor file. A file provided in a MIDlet suite that contains attributes used by application management software (AMS) to manage the MIDlet’s life cycle, as well as other application-specific attributes used by the MIDlet suite itself.

JAR file Java Archive file. A platform-independent file format that aggregates many files into one. Multiple applications written in the Java programming language and their required components (.class files, images, sounds, and other resource files) can be bundled in a JAR file and provided as part of a MIDlet suite.

Java Community

ProcessTM (JCPTM)

program Java Community Process program. An open organization of international developers and licensees who develop and revise Java platform specifications, reference implementations, and technology compatibility kits using a formal submission and approval process.

Java ME platform Java Platform, Micro Edition. A group of specifications and technologies that pertain to running the Java platform on small devices, such as cell phones, pagers, PDAs, and set-top boxes. More specifically, the Java ME platform consists of a configuration (such as CLDC or CDC) and a profile (such as MIDP or Personal Basis Profile) tailored to a specific class of device.

Java Specification

Request (JSR) A proposal for developing new Java platform technology, which is reviewed, developed, and finalized into a formal specification by the JCP program.

Java Virtual Machine A software “execution engine” that safely and compatibly executes the byte codes in Java class files on a microprocessor.

KVM A Java virtual machine designed to run in small devices, such as cell phones and pagers. The CLDC configuration is designed to run in a KVM.

LCD Liquid Crystal Display. A common kind of screen display often used in small devices.

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Sun Microsystems 2 manual Java Community ProcessTM Jcptm
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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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