Very new to java

I have no idea what java is and i have no background on the subject. I have to take a class this semester and I already know i'm gonna be lost without help. Where can i find information on java thats geared towards someone without a background in programming. Thanks!

The Java Tutorial at http://java.sun.com is where I started. Can't think of anything better aside from buying a good book.
What book is required for your class?
P.S. Another good starting point is the Cattle Drive located here at http://www.javaranch.com.
[ August 25, 2003: Message edited by: Gregg Bolinger ]

For the programming newbie, Teach Yourself Beginning Programming in 24 Hours teaches programming fundamentals using Java. Amazon has used copies for as low as $4.50.
After you get the basics down, come and visit JavaRanch frequently. You'll probably enjoy the Java Rules Roundup, a game that tests your Java knowledge, plus the forums (fora?) and, well, it's ***all** interesting and helpful.
Good luck, and welcome to Java! Once you get over the initial learning curve, it's a fun language.
Regards,
Jeff

Word from the not so wise...Just don't take an internet class.

Originally posted by Steve Wysocki:
Word from the not so wise...Just don't take an internet class.

Can I ask for your reasoning behind this statement? This very site offers its own class, and I am considering taking it.

Originally posted by Gregg Bolinger:
The Java Tutorial at http://java.sun.com is where I started. Can't think of anything better aside from buying a good book.
What book is required for your class?
P.S. Another good starting point is the Cattle Drive located here at http://www.javaranch.com.
[ August 25, 2003: Message edited by: Gregg Bolinger ]

There is no book required for my class. He just gave us some links to different web sites, but i think they are more designed for people who ahve some knowlege of java already.

For the absolute beginner, let me suggest taking a look at Introduction to Computer Science using Java by Bradley Kjell. It's free and the lessons take it nice and easy, step-by-step.
Otherwise, here is a list of other free on-line Java tutorials and books that I have found useful:

Sun's Java Tutorial

Introduction to Programming Using Java by David J. Eck

Dick Baldwin's Java Programming Tutorials

Interactive Programming In Java by Lynn Andrea Stein

Bruce Eckel's Thinking In Java

And right now, Douglas Dunn is giving away a pre-release version of his coming Java Rules Volume 2 book at http://www.javarules.com
And of course, the best advice is hang out at the Ranch! With tens of thousands of registered users, if you ask a good question (or even a not so good question), you're bound to get some good help.