I've compiled various helpful links to websites and other resources related to Java programming:

• Official Java resources
  • Official Java website at Sun
  • Official Java tutorial from Sun
  • Java 6 API - the Java class libraries
  • OpenJDK - the open source release of the Java Development Kit
• General Java directories
  • Java on About.com
  • Cetus Links' Java pages
    
• Books
  • Murach's Java SE 6 - A solid, thorough Java manual. Written mainly for people who are already decent programmers.
  • Head First Java - A very lively and clear introduction to object-oriented programming with Java, for people who already have a little bit of programming knowledge. An online version of the book (accessible to Concordia University students) is also available.
• Other programming languages
  
  • Comparison between Visual Basic.NET and Java
  • Programming language popularity:
    
    • LangPop.com (various measures)
    • TIOBE (TIOBE community index)
• Miscellaneous
  • Top Ten Errors Java Programmers Make
  • Quick tutorial on using the Scanner for input
  • Common compile (syntax) error messages
  • Why is Java's windowing framework called Swing?