Deciding How to Install a HelpSet
JavaHelp itself is network-capable: the HelpSet Viewer can load a HelpSet from the computer where it is running or from a remote computer. When deciding how to install a particular HelpSet, take into account the network-capability of the application for which you’re providing help. The following sections present appropriate installation decisions for several kinds of applications.
Local Application
A local application is one that runs on the user’s computer without interaction with any other computer (via a web browser or other type of network connection). When users request help, the application launches the help system locally—that is, on the same computer. In this situation, it is best to install the application and your HelpSet together on the computer, in a single installation process. If the application doesn’t rely on access to a network, neither should the help system.
Network Application
In a network application, users might have a small part of the application installed on their computer (the client) and access the rest of the application on one main computer on the network (the server). Since a network is required to run the application, it makes sense to install the HelpSet on the server. When users access help on the client computer, the request goes across the network to access the necessary HelpSet files on the server, and then returns the information to display it in the HelpSet Viewer on the client.
I recommend this installation option ...