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