Frequently Asked Questions

We’re here to help, so don’t be afraid to contact our customer support! Here is a list of questions we are asked on a regular basis:

1. What is Java?
2. Why do I need Java?
3. Is Java free to download?
4. How to install OSCA?
5. I want to install OSCA on my tablet. Is this possible?
6. How to uninstall OSCA?

What is Java?

Java is a programming language, or perhaps more leniently, a long technical specification which details how a programming language called “Java” should work. Apps made with Java (such as OSCA) require a Java Runtime Environment (JRE) in order to run, which ultimately is a collection of files (program libraries, which contain Java program instructions for basic functionalities such as reading files and connecting to the internet, accompanied by security certificates as well as less technical files such as fonts, graphics, icons and translations) which collectively fulfill the requirements set by the technical specification. One of the advantages of Java is that any Java app can be made compatible with any operating system (Microsoft Windows, Apple’s OSX and iOS, Android, GNU Linux, etc.) by obtaining an appropriate JRE for that platform. Likewise the app developer can focus on making their app work “with Java” as opposed to “with Windows and with OSX and with Linux”.

Why do I need Java?

Because Java apps do not come as a native executable (think .exe files on Windows) which contain machine code, but as .jar-files containing Java byte code which need to be interpreted by a JRE. Traditionally, users would be required to install a JRE by themselves. This is no longer the case. Due to increased complications with differences in behavior between different JRE versions and the ever-increasing amount of JRE vendors, application publishers (such as Setlog) have moved to bundling a copy of an appropriate JRE with their applications (OSCA) which needs no additional configuration by users. Ever since moving away from Java Web Start our newly made application launcher takes care of setting everything up for you and start OSCA without interfering with other Java apps or Java installations you may have.

Is Java free to download?

Yes. While some vendors offer paid plans with additional support, these are optional. At its core Java is just a technical specification. It is the JRE which brings that specification to life. There exists a free and open source reference implementation called “OpenJDK” which has JRE-releases dubbed as “Temurin”. These are directly supported by Oracle (formerly Sun Microsystems) who are also in control of the Java specification.

How to install OSCA?

Click on the download link we provided to you via email.
An executable file (.exe on Windows) is downloaded to your computer.
Double-click on the file to launch the application and approve the security question, if any.
You will see a small window which shows download progress of further files, which includes the JRE mentioned above. A Desktop shortcut is created automatically.

Please note:
This way of installing OSCA does not need administrator rights for installation.
This way of installing OSCA does not need any specific firewall settings.

I want to install OSCA on my tablet. Is this possible?

Currently, the tablets with native support are tablets running Microsoft Windows (e.g. Microsoft Surface 2 / Surface 3 Pro).

However, you can still use any given tablet with OSCA:
Ask your IT to setup a Windows Terminal Server session running an OSCA instance. By using freely available RDP software, you can connect to the terminal server session and thus use OSCA on your tablet.

This restriction applies because we are not currently maintaining releases of our application launcher technology which works natively with the Android or iOS operating systems.

How to uninstall OSCA?

When you installed OSCA, a start menu entry called “Uninstall OSCA …” (replace ellipsis with our affiliate’s name) has been created. If you run it, OSCA will be removed and some disk space will be freed up.

Your question has not been answered? Don’t be afraid to contact our customer support.
support@setlog-support.com