hi! this is questions about where should i start in Visual C++ and other langs!

[struntz]

Hello!
I have many questions, this may seem kind of weird, but i just got a whole bunch of books and i got some programs as well, i have a friend that doesn't need this stuff anymore from collage, and i would like to major in Computer Science and become a software Engeiner and she sent it to me so i may use it, i'm 15 and i've been studying Visual Basic 6.0. But anyways here are my questions:
1. What should i start with?
Here is the Software I have gotten:
1.Microsft Devloper Network-Library-Visual Studio 97
2.Mastering Microsft Visual Basic 5 <---- but i also have 3.Visual Basic 6.0 Enterpirse edd.
4.Visual Basic Professional Ed.
5.Visual C++ standard Edition 4.0
6.Microsoft Visual C++ Version 1.52 <---probably won't be using that one
7.Microsoft Visual J++ Professional Edition
8.Networking Esstials Second Edition(Suppplemntal Course Materials)
Will any of these programs come in handy? 0r what ones should i not waste my time on? like the really old ones, and like that Visual C++ 4.0 is it alot differnet from the ones out today?
And here are the books i got:
1.Visual C++ Tutorials
2.Introduction to C++
3.Programming with C++ (Schaum's Outlines by John Hubbard
those are the ones with C++ and VC++
Here are Visual J++ and Java
1.Viusal J++ for Dummies (Quick Reference)
2.Learn Java Now by Stephen R. Davis (these are older books copyright was 1996 thats what most of these are i think.
3.Teach yourslef Java in 21 days, this is a 1996 also
Here is a book for HTML and 2 of CGI:
1.HTML sourcebook second edition A complete Guide to HTML 3.0
2.Drag 'N' Drop CGI (With NetObjects Fusion 2.0)
3.CGI programming with PERL
Here are the last 2, witch are Networking and Linux
1.Networking Essentials Second Edition
2.Sams' teach yourself Linux in 24 hours.
and why i told you all those books and what not is becuase i don't know what i should start with first, and i need to know if i have the right software to use the books to help me learn pretty much uptodate stuff, or is this all too old? Like Visual C++ 4.0, Sorry about the length of this but i didn't know how to make it any shorter! thanks for listening! and if you can tell me some information it would be great!

[parksie]

if you don't know either vb or c++ and have little programming experience, learn vb first, because it lets you concentrate more on method rather than execution. after that, graduate to c++ - it's easier than trying to work out how to write a program at the same time as learning the language. C++ is also a lot more complex - vb lets you cut your toe, and c++ lets you blow your entire leg to pieces.

[HarryW]

*Laughs* Nice analogy

Yeah I'd say start off with some VB, to help you learn some of the main programming concepts without getting too bogged down in technicalities. When you have done VB for quite a while (or until you're sick of it) then take a look at some C++ and see what you think.

Most beginners' C++ books, although they say they assume no prior programming knowledge, will get quite compicated quite quickly, simply because C++ is a complex language. I have read many reviews for beginners' C++ books where the reviewer says that the book is terrible for beginners and that it's too hard. To be honest the vast majority of these books will be very hard for the total novice. Some people, however, are able to pick it up more easily, so I'm not saying everyone will find it very difficult.

So anyway, back to the advice bit... If you've had a fair amount of programming experience you could probably pick up C++ straight away, but if you haven't or you want to take a slightly easier route, start off with VB.

The way I've written that makes it sound like C++ should be your ultimate goal, but it doesn't have to be. There is one hell of a lot of work out there for VB programmers, and I've heard that VB consultants usually make more than C++ consultants because there's more demand for them.

Personally I started with VB a few years ago, and recently (about 6 months ago) started to teach myself C++ from a book. If you want to start making those apps within the next few months then I'd advise you to use VB, because you're working with Windows from the start. You really ahve to get yourself comfortable with the fundamentals of C++ before you can start with Windows.

Well anyway this post has probably been even longer than yours so I'll leave it there.

[struntz]

Thank you for giving me your thoughts!
I'll study VB for abit longer(it is getting kinda old and boring) but i'm sure i'll just die in C++ heh, well thanks again!