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Starting the OT with Web Start

To download and run the OT with Java Web Start, please go to the ALMA Science Portal and navigate to the Web Start version of the OT. When the link is clicked, a ObservingTool.jnlp file is downloaded by the browser and opened by the Web Start executable javaws that lives in the Java distribution's bin/ directory. At least, this is what will happen with a Linux distribution - the OT will start automatically, with the user only needing to confirm in a security dialogue that the OT should indeed be run (Figure 2.2).

On a Mac the situation is somewhat more complicated due to ``Gatekeeper'', a feature introduced in OS X Lion which prevents malware from being installed. In its default setting the OT will not start as it is from an ``unidentified developer''. The recommended solution is to view the .jnlp file in Finder (this can be done directly from the download menu in Firefox or Safari) and to launch the OT manually by right-clicking on the file and selecting Web Start from the ``Open With'' menu item. Alternatively, Gatekeeper can be switched off via the Security & Privacy section of System Preferences (allow applications from ``Anywhere'') but this is not recommended.

The first time that the OT is run, it is quite likely that a shortcut will be created. This usually appears on your machine's Desktop, but Mac's often prompt for a location (choose Desktop!). Future sessions should be started by clicking on this.

Figure 2.2: The dialogue that confirms that the OT is a trusted piece of software.
Image JavaWS-Security


next up previous contents
Next: Running the OT offline Up: Using the OT with Previous: Verifying Java Web Start   Contents
The ALMA OT Team, 2018 Sep 25