Ok, I'm a linux newb running the 2.6 kernel under MDK10 Official. I program in C++, Java, and Perl. Can anyone help me (or point me to some good sites) with simple instructions for (1) getting the various runtime enviroments and such (2) a good developement program (preferably one that handles all three well but not necessary (3) setting up the javac and java commands so that they can be used from the consol. Remember, I'm a newb so I need simple instructions lol. Also, a side question: what exactly is shell scripting and what is it used for? Thanks all.

To answer question 2, I used to use Anjuta for development which is a nice GUI program with syntax highlighting and all that.

Shell scripting is just a script that uses a shell (alot of shell support scripting, bash is very popular for scripting) to execute a list of commands. Most script supporting shells have thier own condition statement sets & stuff.. It's good to know

I say use kdevelop for Q2

I started using KDevelop, but I enjoy Anjuta much more these days. Can't really place any real reason on it though. It just works for me. Maybe a personal preference?