Java Applets

[contentmaster]

How safe are java applets....do they cause any usability problems on a site...i am using an applet for a drop down menu....will this ever give me trouble of any sort...?

[outrun]

An obvious problem is there maybe users who dont have Java installed or have it off, if it is a navagation menu maybe there should be text links to the main links of your website.

regards,
Mark

[ASPwiz]

The obvious answer here is:-
Never wrap site navigation in java, javascript or flash, or indeed any other non HTML specific technology.

The exception to this is when you provide TEXT navigation in addition.

The main reason, is that spiders will undoubtedly be un-able to follow your links.

Another word of advise:-
Never use java or javascript unless absolutely 100% nessesary!

Hope this helps people!

Rob