Hebrew in Mac OSX Java Applets


If you use a Mac, and find yourself using some Java based Chat Applet, you will notice you can’t write Hebrew. The keyboard input refuses to even switch to Hebrew.

I googled for a solution, and found none. In the end, I found the solution myself. Here’s what you need to do, to get it working:

  1. In spotlight, search for “Java Preferences”, and click to run this utility.
  2. You will see a list of JVM versions: 1.6.0, 1.5.0, and 1.4.2. Simply switch to 1.4.2 and click “Save”
  3. You are done! Remember to completely close your browser, before you try again.
I know, you want to give me a hug now, don’t you? 🙂
If you want a brief explanation of why this happens (technical stuff), email me and I will try my best to explain.

2 responses to “Hebrew in Mac OSX Java Applets”

  1. I just want to print documents that have hebrew on it. I tried following your instructions but in #1 after I spotlight java preferences, I don’t see which item to click to run this utility?

    Feeling very stupid,
    Leslie

  2. Did you try simply installing OpenOffice or NeoOffice, and opening those documents with one of those applications?

    On the Mac, these apps fully and perfectly support any languages, including Right-To-Left languages. I use them for my Hebrew needs, they work quite well I must say.

    I don’t see how the Java Preferences are related to your printing. Are you trying to print from within a Java applet or Java Application?

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