Wny won't the java.lang.System.out.println("Message"); thing in your book work?

It depends on how you're trying to use it. You need to make sure that:

a) You are using Mozilla, Opera, Safari, or another supported browser (not IE).
b) You have Java installed.
c) Your browser has Java enabled.

Nicholas C. Zakas
Author, Professional JavaScript for Web Developers (ISBN 0764579088)
http://www.nczonline.net/