Java dilemma

[KCHughes]

I don't know if anyone else has had this problem, I searched and couldn't find anything similar.

 

 

 

When I use Java applications, Runescape for instance, every 5-7 minutes the application will freeze and remain frozen for about 10 seconds. I can tell you with certainty that it isn't my computer or my internet connection. I've isolated the problem to something with Java, because all Java applications do this.

 

 

 

If you want specs:

 

Dell Inspiron 1501

 

AMD Turion 64 processor 1.6 GHz

 

448 Mb RAM

 

ATI Raedon Express 1150 Video card

[mastermule52]

define "frozen"

 

 

 

is it just white screened? or can you see everything and it just doesn't move?

[Nadril]

First thing I'd do is download the latest version of java. I think most people either use Microsoft's Java (I forget its name) or Sun Java.

 

 

 

 

 

As you said your self its just a java issue. If updating these doesn't work we'll have to figure it out from there.

[KCHughes]

@mastermule: The screen is showing normally, but it doesn't move.

 

 

 

@Nadril: I know I have the latest version of Sun Java. How do I change from that to Microsoft Java?

[Doomster]

MS Java - forget it!

 

Old buggy, vulnerable.

 

 

 

I wonder if it could be a garbage collection freeze in Java, though that level of pause seems longer than would be expected for a client application sized stack.

 

 

 

Adding the option

 

-Xincgc

 

in the Java Applet runtime settings should select a suitable low pause garbage collection method - in Java 5 or 6 it actually selects the concurrent mode, though that is usable with only one CPU (competing in time slice, instead of truly concurrent) - the train GC which it selected in Java 1.4 is still available, but no longer developed.

[KCHughes]

How do I do that?

[Doomster]

The Java Control panel is an icon in the Windows control panel and leads to a tabbed panel.

 

 

 

http://java.sun.com/javase/6/docs/techn ... .html#java

 

 

 

In the Java Runtime Pameters area, insert the following:

 

-Xincgc

 

 

 

Incremental mode is inferior in total performance, but attempts to avoid long pauses by doing the larger tasks a piece at a time, although somewhat less efficiently.

 

 

 

Parameters specified here will apply to any Java applet running in a browser.

 

 

 

PS. In previous versions, I used a number of extra qualifiers as well, particularly one to increase the starting memory allocation

 

-Xms32m - which allocated 32 MB instead of the old default of 16, though under my current settings, it now defaults to 64, though I have more memory to start with.

 

 

 

I'd hesitate to suggest forcing it to 64 on yours (though Runescape will auto-expand it higher), as it may impair system performace when smaller applets are used and the memory would be better used elsewhere.

 

 

 

A compromise, maybe try:

 

-Xincgc -Xms48m