A Java applet is downloaded in several class files. Faster initial downloads can be obtained if the HotMedia class (hm.class and hmdecimg.class) files are compressed in archive format. Not all browsers support a common standard. The most common standard is zip.
Compressed / Zipped Class Files
hm.zip Contains all initial class files and is supported by all browsers but Netscape Navigator 3. hm3x.zip Uncompressed file for use by all browsers but Internet Explorer 3 hm.cab Use only on Internet Explorer 4 and higher.
(Microsoft supports the "cab" archive format.)The archive tag
ARCHIVE=" "
in the HTML document should call the appropriate format depending on the target browser. JavaScript (see JavaScript section) may be used to identify browser types and produce the proper HTML code.
Internet Explorer also supports the CABBASE parameter, so all cabs may be located in an arbitrary location on the server (pointed to by this CABBASE value.) For instance:
<PARAM NAME="cabbase" VALUE="hm.cab">