Originally Posted by
Trinity
I think I tried the Sams Teach Yourself PHP in 24 Hours book once, it was terrible.
1-2 years is plenty of time if you're willing to put the effort in, so by the time you get to sixth form you could be earning a bit of money on the side from java :)
The best resource that exists for learning isn't books, it's the internet, there are tutorials and guides out there for absolutely everything. Use the book if you want, but try doing some googling for stuff too, you might find it easier :)
Oo also, do you know any other programming languages? It might be worth learning a slightly easier one, so you can learn the basic ideas and steps to programming in an easier environment, then all you have to do is learn the syntax for java :)
Anywho, what sort of stuff are you interested in? Think of a basic project that involves a hobby/interest of yours and learn what you need to do that, post it in the design&dev section of the forum so people can give you tips on how to improve, bam, you'll be a java god in no time.