I want to learn C#. There is a one week training class offered at my job, but I have other meetings/training classes the week it is offered. So, I'll give it a shot on my own.

Let me start by saying, I've never used Java, and my training course in that language isn't for another month or so.

I'm mostly a VB programmer (little Cobol here and there). Will I be able to pick up on C# relatively quickly? I'm not under the gun here or anyting, but it's just I want to expand my knowledge of programming languages.

I think I learn best when I just dive head first into something. I know both 2005 and the new 2008 versions of C#.Net are out there, which one should I download? At work, we're currently using 2005, and I don't see us upgrading any time in the near future. That is, unless someone within the org can convince the suits that it's necessary (read: make $$$). So, with that in mind, would it be of great benefit to me to download the 2008 version, when I will probably end up using 2005 (and that is considering I ever get to use C# at all)?

Also, I need a book to get me started. All suggestions are welcome. The first thing, obviously, is I need a book that will give me a good, thorough introduction to C#. The next book should discuss advanced topics only.

I didn't know whether to put this in General or in here. I decided to put it in here since it's directly about C# programming. However, mods feel free to move it if necessary.