Launch other programs form Java

Hi!
I'm working on a small windowed application and creating it using AWT. I have three menus, with a couple of options on each!
If I wanted this application to hold a fourth menu, one which could launch different programs (such as Word, Excel, Netscape, text Pad and others) by referring their exe files, what class or classes should I be reading about 2nite??
I'm just asking because it's an idea I had for an small project which is due in about three weeks! I needs to cover new topics which we didn't cover in class!! I though this was part of my plan, besides GUI!
If it cannot be done (by Greenhorns like myself i.e.),

, I'll just have to try and come up with something else

Thanks

Sorry! I wanted to post this in the 'Java in General (beginner)' Section!