Sun's Java Plug-in (v1.3.1_01), now available as an early-access release, allows popular Web browsers such as Internet Explorer and Netscape to run and display Java applets, i.e., small programs written in the Java programming language and provided by the Web page author, that appear on Web pages. Java applets are often created and/or used by Web authors to provide site visitors with advanced, customized site interactivity such as that required for games or certain interactive e-business applications. The Java Plug-in allows the user's Web browser to run these applets from directly within the Web page itself; to the user, the applet simply appears as if it is an integrated component on the page.

Sun states their Java Plug-in "...is compatible with browsers on all versions of Windows, including Microsoft Internet Explorer for Windows, versions 5.5 SP2 and 6.0, and with Netscape, version 6.0 and higher." Windows XP is specifically mentioned as being compatible. Most browsers already include their own version of a Java plug-in; Sun bills their version of the plug-in as providing the latest runtime environment and therefore a potential replacement to the user's existing J2RE.

The Java Plug-in is now available as a free-download from Sun's GetJava Web site. Sun warns that this early-access version of the software "...is recommended for developers, IT professionals, advanced computer users, and enthusiasts" and further states that technical support will not be widely available while the Plug-in is in early access status. Contact Sun for further details.

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