Getting started...

Hi! I'm new. Very new.

I got an impulse that I should try learning Java programming, hoping I'd eventually be able to construct simple games and programs in my spare time. I've hardly programmed at all, and my new computer runs Vista which I'm not accustomed to (will be upgrading for 7 soon), so I feel really lost at the moment.

Anyway, all I see for newbie help is basic functions within the language itself, but what I need is a step-by-step guide on how to start up a Java programming environment on my Vista computer. Which compiler to use, how to install and use it, etc... Then I'd be happy to read guides, experiment and learn!

Thanks, and I hope I'm not being too annoying =)

The most comprehensive tutorial on everything from installation (which you may or may not need) to basics to advanced can be found at the source (pun untended): Sun Microsystems:
The Java™ Tutorials

I recommend using JCreator to start with, its what im using in my computer programming 1 class.

Thanks folks!
I'm still not quite up and running, but I have plenty to check out now so I'll mark this as solved =)
Cheers!