Looking to learn Java (Books please)

[mlbtheshow]

Hi all,

Just looking for some advice as im looking to learn Java (not Javascript as ive now taken in the differences)

Anyway although I have some decent html/xml knowledge via web design, I know that I need to start at the absolute beginning with Java.

Now ive had a good google and read some websites and they have given me some good stuff, but im always weary that I might be reading something irrelevant to me at such an early stage of learning.

So, if anyone is kind enough to post, please can they let me know which books would be a good way to get myself started with Java? Im assuming the Dummies range is probably a road to go?

Outside of this, I have downloaded the following as I believe once im ready to start putting code in that id need these installed:

JRE and JDK 5.0 by the looks of it (got them from the Oracle website). Both 32bit as im using 32bit Vista.

All help appreciated.

 

[mlbtheshow]

Cheers all, thanks for the pointers - ill take a look at all suggestions.

 

[mlbtheshow]

Going with 3 book suggestions totalling £35...

Sams teach yourself Java in 24 hours (sounds like a good real basic intro into it for me)
Then its Sams teach yourself Java 6 in 21 days... something more advance and hopefully able to follow on along the same path.

Finally Objects First with Java looks a lot more indepth but hopefully by then im at a decent speed.

Thanks again all.