This document provides an introduction to Java, including its history, uses, and key characteristics. It discusses that Java is an object-oriented programming language designed for easy web/internet applications. The document outlines the origins and evolutions of Java from 1995 to 2011. It explains that Java enables portability and security through its "write once, run anywhere" ability. Finally, the document summarizes Java's main uses and characteristics such as being architecture-neutral, portable, multithreaded, secure, and object-oriented.