>>Then it's an applet or run-time prg and very slow. Look for some compilers that convert javac output to an exe binary.
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>Would a java exe binary still run on "all" platforms, or does it only runs on the platform it was compiled in?

It becomes platform specific because it no longer targets the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Java apps (or applets) running realtime (sort of like running a VFP someprog.app using the VFP developer) on a JVM are the slowest. The java script is read and run line by line. Looping, as you might suspect, compiles each line (in real time) of the loop as it is encountered, over and over. Javac helps this somewhat. But taking the package to an exe or ELF binary with 3rd party tools creates platform dependent binaries that are also the fastest.

One still has the source, which is platform independent, as long as software company doesn't extend a Java API into its own propriatary territory, thereby ending cross platform compatibility. (The only companies that do that sort of thing are the one trying to force the market using their monopoly advantage in what ever technology domian they may have a patent or trademark. This is why I prefer Open Source software, ie, GPL.)