(1) The use of numerous machines each dedicated to a specific application in contrast to the general-purpose desktop or laptop computer.

(2) The use of desktop and laptop computers that run under operating systems other than Windows. Java was expected to be "the" technology that would enable the post-PC era by supporting platform independence. The Java interpreter (Java Virtual Machine) in each different computer environment would be able to execute the same Java application, and since the Windows PC would not be mandatory, it would no longer be the dominant computer environment.

Data Standards Accomplish the Same Thing
Java is not the only way for multiple computer environments to proliferate. If data format standards were widely adopted and supported, any environment (hardware, OS and application) could be used to read and write the data. However, given human nature and the state of the industry, it would seem to require a federal government mandate to effect such conformity.