[Eku]

umm ^_^ java is a much bigger world than C++ and ASM. I myslef also started my early programming days with c++ and TASM.
Here is my hint, you can start of by learning Core java. You can find all the answers to your question in the Java tutorial which can be downloaded from the sun site ^_^

I think I'll answer this question:

4) When exactly when you would use the new keyword? I know that in C++ new is allocates memory so that a pointer can point to the new memory, but I notice that java does not have any pointer facilitation. I already have hypothesis's as to why, but I want a concise answer.

It is because the Java Run-time Environment handles all the variables. you do not have to worry about this things ^_^ As i recall my instructor told me that in Java all the varaibles are handled by the JRE. The JRE allocates the memory used by that Variable. And if your system is finished using those variables, the JRE (Java Run-time Environment) cleans those used memory maps which is called the "garbage collection". I hope my memory remembers hte rigth words. Let wait for others to reply on your questions ^_^