new to java using mac os x

Please help. I am stumped. I know that Mac os x has java installed. I have used java with Windows years ago. Can anyone help my step by step with compiling and running a simple java program on my Mac? I have tried to use the text editor that came with my Mac, but it wont save the file as a .java file (only .rtf). This process is suppose to be simpler on a Mac than with Windows... I need instructions at the 1st grade level... What text editor should I use and how do I save the file once I type the program? Then how do I compile it and run it. I have tried the terminal window, but I keep getting error messages. I have been to the Sun, Apple and many other web sites but I am just not getting it. Can anyone help?

Thank in advance
Dirtee

go to utilities and launch terminal

cd to where your java files are stored ex: cd documents/javafiles

then do as usual javac file.java

download jedit to create java text files...