Sounds like you'll be doing some "if" and "else if" statements, maybe try a "while loop" or 2 if you want. I'd atleast get started in your environment that you use. Netbeans is a good one; what do you use? I'd just start declaring some variables, a scanner class, etc and get it going and make corrections as you get errors or as you start moving along. I noticed it helps a lot to see my progress in action by constantly running my program and making corrections. I'm a firm believer of never just sitting there staring at a blank screen or paper. Start doing the basics and trying things out and eventually it will just come to you and you'll have that bright light bulb over your head for a few hours. Keep us updated on your progress. Also, http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.5.0/docs/api/ will help you with the many classes that java has if you need help.