use of java.

[Mr. x]

Hello,
Several question on Java :
---------------------------------

1) I would like to see arround the internet, many web-pages, that are
java-based, to get a picture of what can I do with Java, please.
2) What are the main differences of Java Applets web application, and Flash
based web-applications ? Is there any flash-like built-in in Microsoft
technology ?
3) I would like to know about pros and cons of Java againts Microsoft
technology, please.
4) Does JDBC support btrieve ?
5) I would like to know about web-hosting sites for Java based applications
(What is the common server out there ? Is it Web-Logic ?), and do the
web-hosting companies offer a database outthere - I would like to know about
good hosting companies, and not very expensive, please.

Thanks