I am umm "semi-competent" in C++ entirly as a hobbyist and am looking at a few other languages, and figured its time to try Java. The thing is, where do I start? Once upon a time I downloaded java sdk1.4.x and unziped it and put it in my path (yes im on windows, linux doesnt like 54g yet and I am waiting for my local store to get the 12" iBook back in stock) and wahey I could compile the Java code to bytecode, but its all confusing now!

What exactly do I need to install to work with Java? Obviosuly I have an VM. I am not too mithered about coding GUI's, unless its alot easier than in C++, and I don't like RAD tools.