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What is "Java™"?

Java™ is an Object Oriented platform independent programming language from Sun.




What is "JavaScript"?

JavaScript is a programming language that allows executable content to be included in Web pages. This is what COS primarily uses in its products.




Aren't Java™ and JavaScript the same thing?

No. Although Java™ and JavaScript can both provide executable content in Web browsers, the two programming languages are completely different. In fact, the name JavaScript is completely due to marketing. The language was originally called LiveScript and its name was changed to JavaScript.




Why does COS use JavaScript?

COS uses JavaScript in order to have more interactive and responsive products. JavaScript allows COS to design search interfaces that would be difficult or impossible to implement using only HTML forms. Using Javascript, a browser window can control other browser windows, or react to actions in another browser window. Javascript also allows an HTML form to react immediately to user input, making our search interfaces more user friendly.




Do I need to enable JavaScript on the COS Web site?

Yes. The COS Web site requires that you enable JavaScript on your browser. Many of the COS databases use features enabled by JavaScript. If your JavaScript is not enabled, you will not be able to use many of the services that we offer. For example, the graphic headers, many of the forms, and certain picklists use JavaScript .




How can I enable my Web browser to use JavaScript?

Each browser handles JavaScript in a slightly different manner. For instructions that are customized for your browser, please click on the correct choice below:

Note: The choices below are based on our Web Browser Policy.

Microsoft Windows 98 / Microsoft Windows ME and XP / Microsoft NT 4.0:

Netscape Navigator 7 and Mozilla 1.2
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x and 6.x

Macintosh OS 9.1:

Netscape Navigator 7 and Mozilla 1.2





How do I adjust my Java™ and JavaScript settings?

The choices below are based on our Web Browser Policy. The instructions apply to Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows ME and XP, and Microsoft NT 4.0, as well as Macintosh OS 9.1.

Netscape Navigator 7 and Mozilla 1.2
[Instructions apply to Windows, NT, and Macintosh.]

  1. Click the Edit button on your browser's tool bar.
  2. Choose Preferences.
  3. Click on the arrow or box next to Advanced to open the drop-down menu.
  4. From the drop-down menu, choose Scripts & Plugins.
  5. Under Enable JavaScript for, check the box next to Navigator.
  6. Under Allow webpages to, check all boxes.
  7. Click the Ok tab.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x and 6.x
[Instructions apply to Windows and NT.]

  1. Click on the Tools menu.
  2. Choose Internet Options.
  3. Click the Advanced tab.
  4. Under the Microsoft VM header, make sure that the box next to JIT Compiler is checked.



How can I ask COS a question about Java™?

Please contact our Help Desk if you are a subscriber and have any questions about Java™ or JavaScript.
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