As if the World Wide Web isn't reason enough to do cartwheels down the street, the globe is now ablaze with the fire of a different flavor: Java - a fresh blend of technologies that bring the Web to life with dazzling animation, pulse-pounding sound, and full-blown interactivity, the likes of which the online community has never seen.One of the wonderful things about Java is its universal appeal; all Web surfers can add a dash or two of Java to their Web pages, bringing their Web sites to life with little effort. And even if you've never seen Java in action before, you're going to be just fine with Java For Dummies, 3rd Edition at your side. Assuming that you're comfortable using your computer, you're soon likely to find yourself surfing the seas of Java on the World Wide Web, creating your very own Java-powered pages, and hooking up Java applications on your desktop computer.If you want, you can read this book from front to back. But each part of Java For Dummies, 3rd Edition stands on its own. You'll uncover information aboutExactly why everyone on the Web seems to be scrambling for a taste of JavaHow to use the Java appletsWhen to customize the applets to fit your needsHow Java desktop applications differ from their Web-oriented applet counterpartsWhat to do to make some nifty, kick-butt Java applications for your desktopHow to overcome the top Java snafusJava For Dummies offers everything you need to know to inject your pages and desktop with the appropriate flavor of Java. As icing on the cake (or cream in your coffee, if you prefer), you'll discover the best places on the Web to satisfy the constant Java cravings you're sure to get. Brace yourself - you stand a good chance of becoming a serious Java addict.

<b>Aaron E. Walsh</b> is President and CEO of Mantis Development Corporation where he leads development and advanced technologies using Java. Aaron regularly contributes articles to <I>MacTech</I> magazine and <I>Dobb's Programming Journal</I>. He is also the author of IDG Books Worldwide's <I>Java Bible</I> and <I>Fundamentals of Java Programming for the World Wide Web</I>.