[bootyboy]

Go with Visual Basic....but make sure it's got the .NET framework....

[deuce868]

I don't see why someone should start with VB when they are heading into a java class. My school started out with C++ and I have friends at two other universities that the intro programming courses are in Java. I just don't think someone new and knowing they will need java should start with VB. Basic C++ is easy and not a problem and will be a lot more useful once you get into your Java class.

[tanjames_ph]

i'd go with qbasic, this really simple language will let you learn how to think in "loops" and "ifs". i remember writing a few games on a programmable calculator back in the 70's...

[trueheart78]

Cheese, I've got that book. While it's ok, it does lack file system operations(Reading and writing to files) and database interaction(which is a huge item in vb in my experience)

For visual basic, I'm unsure of. If you decide to try c++, I found that this book: http://www.bookfinder.com/dir/i/Prob...ng/0536623317/ was great. I think it was my only book from ITT that I actually found VERY useful.