Free Java & JavaScript
If you're new to Web authoring, you're probably wondering "What is the deal with Java?" and "What can it do for me?" Well, Java (and its cousin, JavaScript) are programming languages that allow small programs (or applets) to run on your computer when you launch a Web site. If you've seen a page that featured some cool effect, like scrolling text, or a pop-up window, odds are you're looking at a Java applet in action.
If you'd like to include such cool features on your site you have two choices. You may either learn how to write Java programs yourself (a tough task) or you can go to any one of the various sites on the Web that offer free Java programs. Below is a roundup of many of the best Java and JavaScript repositories on the Web. Many offer free Java applets, or "copy & paste" JavaScript, with instructions for including them on your site. Others offer tutorials for learning the languages.