Download JAVA and IDE for it

Download links to get JAVA

http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp


Given Below are two IDEs which I believe to be good,


Netbeans:

NetBeans refers to both a platform framework for Java desktop applications, and an integrated development environment (IDE) for developing with Java, JavaScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, Groovy, C, C++, Scala, Clojure, and others.

The NetBeans IDE is written in Java and runs everywhere where a JVM is installed, including Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Solaris. A JDK is required for Java development functionality, but is not required for development in other programming languages



Download Links for Netbeans IDE

http://netbeans.org/

Eclipse

Eclipse is a multi-language software development environment comprising an integrated development environment (IDE) and an extensible plug-in system. It is written primarily in Java and can be used to develop applications in Java and, by means of various plug-ins, other languages including C, C++, COBOL, Python, Perl, PHP and Ruby (including Ruby on Rails framework). The IDE is often called Eclipse ADT for Ada, Eclipse CDT for C/C++, Eclipse JDT for Java and Eclipse PDT for PHP.

Download Links for Eclipse

http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/

Knowing Knoppix

Knoppix is an astoundingly clever product. It runs Linux completely from a CD or DVD. There is no need to install. It bypasses all the software already installed on your PC or laptop and automatically detects the hardware in your computer (subject to suitable hardware). When you've finished using Knoppix, simply restart. Your computer will return to your regular system, and it will behave as if nothing has happened. Knoppix is Free Software and open source under the terms of the GNU General Public Licence (GPL).

It is often possible to rescue files using Knoppix from crashed Windows computers, even when Windows cannot be started.



Download Knoppix Live CD/DVD

http://www.knoppix.net/

Wikibook on Knoppix

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Knowing_Knoppix

Ubuntu Linux 10.04 LTS

I have been using Ubuntu linux for the past few months and it is really cool.....The kind of facilities it offers is really amazing and all of this at no cost as it supports Open source environment...It tops among Best Linux Distros in the market, and this 10.04 offers you more features....

The various features that I believe to be interesting are,

1. Easy Installation of Software - Installing Software is no longer a difficult process as all the Installations are just a click away in Ubuntu...The "Ubuntu Software center" offers more than 35000 software packages and utilities.


But if you are a Computer geek and you like challenging ways then you can always install the software via lines of code in the TERMINAL and thereby gaining some Knowledge....

2. Cool and Eye Catchy GUI

The GUI that comes with Ubuntu is really cool and can easily attract you....


3. Social Networking, Chatting, Mailing made easier

Ubuntu's new Me Menu brings all your social networks to you. Connect to Facebook, Twitter and more through a single window..




You can use Empathy to chat and Evolution mail to handle your mails...




4. Easy to Install Ubuntu

The major advantage of this is that you can easily install Ubuntu than other Distros. You can install it from Windows itself...And within 20 minutes(give or take a few) you can install Ubuntu. Its like installing any other software.


5. Easily Switch over between KDE and GNOME environment.


6. It can fit in any PC or Laptop and Portability has been its major achievement.

7. Various IDEs like Netbeans, Eclipse, etc to assist you in programming.


I could guarantee you that it would be really useful for you...



Download Link given below

Ubuntu Download