What is the easiest way to learn JAVA?

I personally found Sun's own java tutorials to be quite simple and
easy to follow.  With absolutely no background in java to begin with,
I was able to pick up all of the basics in just a few weeks.  The
tutorials are here: http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/

Hi ,
In addition to Sun's tutorials, I find the Book Thinking in Java
also downloadable for free at:
http://www.mindview.net/Books/TIJ/

to be the best way to learn Java.
It will only be easy if you take shortcuts.

Hi all,
I would like to thank you for your fast responds.
I have a hard copy of Thinking in JAVA, Bruce Eckel.
It does not tell me where is the Java software, how to start the
program, nor how to start a new document.
I found that it treats the reader as a student in a class, where he
has access to a preloaded computer.

Probably the easiest way is to take a class.  There is value in being
able to interact with a knowledgeable teacher.  Of course, the quality
of classes can vary.

http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/getStarted/cupojava/win32.html#1
I have been at this web site, and I found that it is very useful to learn Java.

I learnt Java in college. In addition to recommending you books, I
would say that if you dont want to pay for the class, you may want to
visit websites of Java courses of some universities.

I went to Purdue so I am biased: http://www.cs.purdue.edu/homes/cs180

Here you will find a lot of info like slideshows, quizes, past exams
which are really a challenge for a beginner.

The book we used is authored by WalteR Savitch and is called: Java: An
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming (3rd Edition). It has
a CD which has some sample Java programs which are really helpful. Its
starts with the ABSOLUTE basics and from 1st chapter and slowly builds
up.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0131013785/qid=1115482929/sr=8-2/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/103-7943584-3344648?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Before you program anything, you will need the Java Development Kit,
which i believe is in the CD, if not you can download the SDK
(Software Development Kit) from here. Make sure you get the SDK and
not the JRE because the JRE only allows you to run the program (Java
Run Environment)

http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/download.html

Hope this helps!

Hi vthacker-ga ,
I have downloaded the JAVA software J2sdk1.4.2_08.
I have and I am  reading the Thinking in Java book, which is very good.
I am still facing some dificulties.
I will visit the web site that you have posted.
Thanks,

^^ it's a easy question. 

1. Buy a book about java programming. -> Every java programming book is ok~!

2. Coding All example codes of your book.

3. You can understand java code better than now

4. Buy another books. like refactoring, design pattern and so on.

5. And make anything^^ and enjoy~

Seach for "Joe Grip" in google, and there you will find video
turorials for both JAVA and C#. They are very fun to watch.

Hi all,
As I have said earlier:
 I have the Thinking In Java 3rd e of Bruce Eckel. 
I have visited the web: http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/    (I like it)
I have been at this site: http://www.cs.purdue.edu/homes/cs180   (This is my level)
I have download the J2sdk1.2.4_08 from http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/download.html
I like this one the most http://www.joegrip.com/, and I am thinking to purchase it.
The conclusion, I have a hard book for Java, visited many web sites,
and I will follow a course soon.
Thank you all.