I want to move over to c++ but also step away from the NET frame work. Any suggested pro's/con's

Also i think i read some where you can write managed and also unmanaged c++ in visual c++ express? Case of letting the compiler know?

I just want to learn a language that is not dependant. But my worry is is c++ managed a bit like vb6 now? Is the world gearing now more towards visual c++?

My next question is then if managed c++ is a good choice any one suggest any 2010 books for beginners?