I know this is a real newbie question, but how can I make actual .exe files in JAVA?

Is there any way to make JAVA executables? I remember hearing J++ and Symantec's Virtual Cafe (or something like that) can do it, but is there any other (free :}) way. If not, which one is better in terms of compiling? Does one compile better (more efficiently, speedier) than the other and how easy would it be to use J++ if I want to keep some semblance of portability.

Do a search for exe on this site. The question has been answered many times. Here's the most recent thread:
http://codeguru.developer.com/bbs/wt...collapsed&sb=5