This book covers all the essential information any programmer needs to get started with Java. "Just Java" starts with the basics and then describes more advanced elements, such as window and network programming in Java. The CD-ROM includes all Java source code examples from the book, Java applets, the latest release of the Java Developer's Kit, and Cafe Lite.
This is still my favourite Java book, it hits the sweet spot of entertaining and teaching the reader at the same time. I liked Head First Java but this book just feels more substantial and I feel I learned more from it. Unfortunately it is a bit dated now as Java has changed substantially since it was written. I would still recommend it in conjunction with a more current text.