Background
I'm developing a program in Java called Viewpoints as my thesis for my Master of Science in Visualization Sciences at Texas A&M University.

Goal
Viewpoints' aim is to help children develop spatial skills. I used Java in order to make the program platform independent. Ideally, any child who has access to a computer can take advantage of this learning tool. If you're interested in learning more about Java look at these resources on the web.

To run Viewpoints
In order to make Viewpoints as simple to download and use as possible, I am taking advantage of a relatively new technology by Sun called Java Web Start. The benefits of using Java Web Start include:

• It simplifies the process of downloading and setting up an application. Thus you only need to click once on my webpage and then Java Web Start will take care of downloading Viewpoints, setting it up and installing it.
• It keeps track of what version you download and will upgrade it automatically if I've released a newer version.
• It provides comprehensive security. Any program run through Java Web Start has very limited access to the files on your computer and the internet.
• After Java Web Start has downloaded my program for the first time, Viewpoints can be run while your computer is not connected to the internet.
• There are three ways to start any application downloaded by Java Web Start: (1) click on the original web page link, (2) use Java Web Start's Application Manager, or (3) click on a desktop icon or look in the Start Menu (if your computer runs Windows).

Now, I bet you're wondering how you get Java Web Start so you can run Viewpoints. That's easy! It comes with the Java Plug-in 1.4. Don't know if you have that? That's okay, the web page for Viewpoints looks to see if you have it. If you don't have the Java Plug-in 1.4 already then it will tell you where to find it. Or, you can go directly to the Java Plug-In Product page to download it.

Ready to try it? Go to Viewpoints. Keep in mind that this program is still being developed so you'll probably want to read the Progress Report first.