Hey all :)

I'm new to Java. Actually I've not been introduced yet. I'm currently
downloading the JBuilder Trial to see what it's worth.

I'm a C++ programmer (not very good yet) with JavaScript, Actionscript, PHP,
and SQL experience, and I have a project I'd like to do that I think Java
might help me with.

I've already programmed it in Actionscript in Flash (for cross-platform
compatibility, it needs to run on Macs, Windowses, and Linuxes). The
program is a design program to let you make stationary using vector
graphics and custom fonts, then the idea is that you should be able to
export the work to an EPS/PDF or any other format that can be used for
printing or press. The export hurdle is what makes the Flash solution
unviable. I need something else. I'm thinking Java?

Okay, since I don't have any experience with Java (although expecting my C++
experience to help me out) and I'm being paid peanuts for the job, I'm
hoping there's some open source, GPL libraries to help me out with the
exporting and the drawing of shapes (boxes, actually, nothing fancy.) No
problem with my product inheriting GPL or similar licenses. It's my
practice to apply the GPL on my own code, anyway.

Okay, questions:

1) As I wrote, I'm downloading the JBuilder Trial from Borland. Is this the
defacto tool to use? I'm used to KDevelop on Linux for my C++ programming,
and although it does support Java applications, I'm thinking, "who better
than the makers of Java to make an IDE". Which IDE would you suggest?
(Keeping in mind I'd like to use cross-platform widgets, and I'm running
Linux)

2) Is there an easy, free, drawing library that I can use. The graphics are
nothing fancy: white background with orange boxes and a custom font. It
needs to be accurate, though, and it needs to be vector-based, too.

3) Is there an easy, free, EPS/PDF/similar library that will allow me to
export the vector graphics & font writing that the program will produce?
This, too, needs to be accurate.

4) About the cross-platform widgets, will I have to find some myself (like
wxWidget or something), or are they included with the standard Java tools?
I'd like to keep it as easy on myself as possible to begin with ;)

Apologies upfront if I'm asking classic newbie questions. I'll be very
grateful for any help you can provide.

Thank you,
Daniel :)