Docker Java Applets (Legacy Access)

A lightweight Docker container with XFCE, VNC, Firefox 45 ESR, and Java plugin support for running legacy Java applets.

This project makes it easy to access old-school Java-based tools like IPMI, iDRAC, and other remote KVM consoles. It runs an Ubuntu 18.04 desktop with Firefox 45 ESR (the last version to support NPAPI plugins) and Java 8, all inside a VNC-accessible container — so you don’t have to mess with your host setup.

Screenshot

Quick Start

git clone https://github.com/heroseloi/docker-java-apples.git
cd docker-java-apples

Build and start the container:

docker-compose up --build

Browser (noVNC): open http://localhost:6080/vnc.html and enter the password when prompted.

Native VNC client: connect to localhost:5901.

Password: docker

To stop the container:

docker-compose down

Important:

Please ensure that the websites or network mask you wish to access are added to the file java_config/exception.sites prior to building it.

Wepages used for testing:

https://www.math.uh.edu/mathonline/JavaTest/JavaTestPage.htm

https://www.w3.org/People/mimasa/test/object/java/

Features

• Ubuntu 18.04 base
• XFCE lightweight desktop
• VNC server for remote GUI access
• Firefox 45 ESR with NPAPI support
• Java 8 with browser plugin (libnpjp2.so)
• Custom desktop shortcut for easy access

Notes

• Designed mainly for legacy tools like KVM/IPMI/iDRAC consoles that still use Java applets.
• Uses Firefox 45 ESR – the last version with full Java NPAPI plugin support.
• Tested on macOS with Docker Desktop and RealVNC client.