1stly:

PHP Code:
                CEdit* pEdit1 = (CEdit*)GetDlgItem(IDC_EDIT_FIRST);
    pEdit1->LimitText(20); 
why do I have to declare the edit box as a pointer before I can manipulate it?

why can't i just do:

GetDlgItem(IDC_EDIT_FIRST)->LimitText(20);

also

I am very new to Visual C++ and was wondering if anyone could give me some easy program ideas to try??