Current version: v0.2 beta
Major Modules released: Arch, JUNK, Linux and Moth.
Minor Modules released: Default Controller, Default Java Window Manager.

Thanks for all your contributions, feedbacks, bug reports and suggestions. I recommend that you read the section on customizing the JD4X desktop in the dns.sxw file because it will give you a good idea on how window managers work in general. I have also included diagrams to illustrate the concepts to make it easier to understand. Sadly, JD4X is still in the expert Linux user category, so it may not be suitable for newbies. But it is a great learning tool for hacking your X/Linux system, so I recommend newbies to try it but be prepared to learn.

Enjoy this version,
Tay.

Why Tell Others About The JD4X Project?
There are Java developers and users out there on the internet who are looking for a project like JD4X but have not been told that JD4X already exist. If you like what the project is doing, help us tell others about it in other forums and news channels. With a critical mass of end users supporting and contributing to the JD4X project, we can help change the poor and often misunderstood image of the Java Desktop.

What Is New In This Version?
This release version is a follow up of the alpha version. A lot of changes were added to this version so even though it is a beta, it is really worth trying. The key additions in this version concentrates on giving the developer a greater degree of customization over the desktop look. We don't expect any major code changes from this version to the next stable version. Detailed changes and additions in this release are as follow:

• The project documentation is now distributed together with the binaries and you no longer need to download the documentation package separately in order to get the files. Download the documentation package only if you want the source code files and the original development tree.
• The installation process has sightly changed. The old installation scripts are now replaced by a new self extraction jar file to simplify the installation process.
  
• A more mature desktop look and feel. We have introduced the new Aqua theme in this version, 4 workspaces and a new Java 3D plastic look.
• Other new third party software have been added. Refer to the updated third party software section for details.
• A new frameless facility for applications that needs to use the Frame or JFrame class but without the native decoration in JD4X. It also allow for the possibility to define your own frameless Java type frames.
• Developers can now customize their own native frame decorations through the theme engine. A new section on how to design your own desktop frames have been added to the dns.sxw file under the section on customizing your own desktop. Note that the theme engine has not yet been completed but current facilities should provide you with enough flexibility and control for most of your eye candy needs.
• Developers can also customize their own splash screen in this version. Refer to the updated section on how to customize the JD4X desktop in the dns.sxw file for more details.
• Synchronization facilities have been added to provide for a more dependable code execution among the parallel Java threads.
• The source code structure have been reorganized to reflect the actual system design concept.
• Developers can now easily replace the default desktop (defaultwm.jar) with their own desktop creation by merely replacing the defaultwm.jar file with their own custom jar file. However, we advise you to keep a copy of the defaultwm.jar just incase your own desktop fails to work, so that you can still recover to a working Java desktop system.
• All hard coded directory paths used during testing have been removed. Therefore the default configurations will now automatically adjust to the appropriate installation directory.
• An improved and easier code compilation structure. Refer to the updated user manual section on how to build your own Java desktop for more details.
• Updated user manual as well as the design and specification (dns.sxw) documentation. Additions to dns.sxw file include, understanding workspaces, customizing the splash screen and customizing desktop frames. It is a good read even if you don't intent to change anything because it will help you understand how reparenting window managers work in general.

Where To Start?
What is JD4X and Who is it build for?
How to install JD4X.
Introduction to the JD4X default desktop implementation.
How to configure the default desktop menu.
How to configure the task bar applets.
How to configure the desktop background.
How to configure the desktop frame theme.
How to manage the threads in JUNK.
How to manage the processes and shared Jvms in JUNK.
How to use the shared Jvms in JUNK.
How to support the shared Jvm feature in JD4X.
How to manage plugin modules.
How to build your own Java desktop using JD4X.
How you can help.
How to report bugs.
What are the third party software that is distributed by default with JD4X.
How to automatically get notified about new releases and updates.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ).
Download other cool JD4X compliant software that is not part of the default distribution.
Who are the JD4X Project Team members and Other contributers.
Help sponsor a child with World Vision.
The JD4X project home page.
Forums for JD4X.