*ahem*

I know how to write the actual code for Java. What I want to know is how I can compile it to run on my Windows. In other words, I need an efficient compiler.

If someone could point me to one, it would be very nice.

Oh, and secondly, does an applet support .wav sound files?

No experience with Java personally but there is the free MS Visual Express... I have the C++ version.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/visualj/

If you don't mind using the command line, just download the Java Software Development kit from Sun (http://java.sun.com/). The command to compile is javac <filename>

If you want an IDE, check out NetBeans (http://www.netbeans.org/) a free tool for developing Java programs. Eclipse (http://www.eclipse.org/) is another free java IDE.

My own personal preference is to avoid anything that has "Microsoft" in the name. ;) They cost too much money, and invariably end up being tweaked *away* from the standard, so MS can force you to use their stuff. ;)

Hmm... thank you all. Time to decide, I guess.

I would say that if the non-Microsoft alternative is just as good as the Microsoft one, go with that. Don't use more Microsoft products than necessary. Padma has a good point which should not be overlooked.