The 1.4 version of Java 2 Standard Edition provides many new programming capabilities while making plenty of old tasks easier. But without reliable guidance, you'll find it hard to take advantage of even a fraction of what the new SDK has to offer. Filled with detailed coverage of the new technology, step-by-step instruction, and tips from an acclaimed Java consultant and author, Mastering Java 2, J2SE 1.4 is the resource you'll want to keep within easy reach. Coverage Includes: * Understanding the Java programming language * Building forms with the Swing component set * Creating superior graphics with the Java 2D API * Supporting advanced data structures with the Collections API * Improving the speed of your Java applications * Taking advantage of Swing's support of drag and drop * Understanding OOP concepts, including UML * Working with Java's new assertion capabilities * Using Java's new I/O capabilities: nonblocking read and write operations, application preferences, and logging * Solving tough printing challenges * Working with installation options, including Java Plug-in and Java Web Start * Working with multiple threads and timer tasks