Abstract: A self-configurable distributed computer software system and a method of enabling an applet running on a Web browser in the system to obtain needed software code in the form of Java classes from a machine that is not hosting the applet's originating Web server. A Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) server stores Java classes utilized by a plurality of applets distributed throughout the system. The applet's Web server is connected to the Web browser and to the LDAP server, and includes a servlet for retrieving Java classes from the LDAP server. When the Web browser requests a needed Java class from the Web server, the Web server determines from the package name of the requested Java class whether or not the requested class is stored on the Web server's local storage disk. If not, the Web server requests the servlet to retrieve the Java class from the LDAP server.