Oh please help.............

Hi there, I do need help- I am �trying� to study for SCJP2 I have previously programmed in Basic, c, Pascal etc- when I was much younger-sob. I just cant seem to get my head round the basics of java �static, abstract, constructors etc� pls can anyone advise, help�.Thanks in advance

You might want to get started here. This is Sun's online tutorial. That should help you get into Java and, when you have questions, stop back here.
On a side note, however, I wouldn't recommend becoming SCJP certified as a way to "learn" Java. Just because you're SCJP certified doesn't necessarily make you a good programmer. However, most good programmers can become SCJP certified without much work. I'd recommend learning Java and doing some projects with it before looking back at becoming certified. Of course, that's just my opinion.

Corey

You can also download Bruce Eckel's free book. If you really like it you can buy the printed version via the JavaRanch Bunkhouse

Here is a list of free on-line Java tutorials and books that I have found useful:

Sun's Java Tutorial

Introduction to Computer Science using Java by Bradley Kjell

Introduction to Programming Using Java by David J. Eck

Dick Baldwin's Java Programming Tutorials

Interactive Programming In Java by Lynn Andrea Stein

And of course, hang out at the Ranch! Ask good questions and when you're ready, answer questions. You'll learn a lot.

Thanks for all your advice- Its really appreciated!