On line step by step Java Tutorial

Greetings to the Java Gurus in the house. I'm a complete Java newbie although I have some experience with VB .NET which, by the way, I learnt on my own using books and online resources.

I am in need of good online tutorials for Java particularly those for creating GUI or Forms. I have already seen places with good materials for creating forms using Netbeans. But I want to learn how to creat forms using codes. As a total beginner, I want to learn the basics first. My ideal tutorial will present the lessons in a simple, step by step manner and will cover all the theories behind it.

Just so you know, I've seen the Java Tutorials on docs.oracle.com but it's not clear enough besides the screen shots look outdated.

I'll really appreciate your kind assistance.

Watch the forums for people asking questions about their homework. Most people copy-paste their assignment instructions word for word. These up-to-date real world assignments provide a great educational tool. Look at the assignment, ignore the question at hand, and complete the assignment yourself. If you have problems, you already have a community familiar with the assignment (for the most part) where you can ask questions. Sure it is not a start-to-finish type tutorial, but with a little bit of looking you can find projects to work on.
Good luck

Thanks, jps. Let me be more specific. My interest is to design a web based accounting application. Could you please tell me what specific Java technologies and topics that I need to learn or concentrate on.

I'm new to java, so I can't list out specifics for you unfortunately. (at this time anyway)
I would start with the basics and do research on specifics as you add them to your project.
Perhaps someone else could offer some specifics