Web start off-line applications

Question

Is it possible to disable the automatic update feature of web start, and indicate that an application will always run off-line? For users that only have a dial up connection, it's inconvenient for web start to try to connect each time.

Answer 1

I think I answered my own question; the answer is that presently the answer is no. Web start will always try to get the latest version, like it or not. I also understand that this might change in Java 1.6.
There is an ongoing debate as to whether creating java executables (exe files) in windows is needed or advisable. Many suggest using java web start; others suggest distributing an executable jar. Both have problems.
In the case of an executable jar, unless one makes a shortcut and uses an application icon, it is apparent that the program is not a normal windows application. Also, if the application uses javahelp, there is the additional difficulty of getting jhall.jar to the right place.
Java Web Start has good potential. However, this business of always looking for automatic updates has problems. Many users don't want updates unless they explicitly ask for them. It is possible to run the application offline using the Java Web Start manager. But then its very obvious that this is not a standard windows application. Clicking on the icon that web start creates causes Java web start to announce itself to dial up users who happen not to be connected to the internet at the time of the launch. Again, it becomes obvious that this is not a windows application.
It's my personal opinion that this is a serious design flaw. Java can make inroads to .net if its applications can run in windows transparently, as any other application. My vote is to correct this flaw in the next version.