Learning to program?

[Ashen]

Ignore basic.

C++ is definately the way to go if you want to take up programming. Learning either Java or PHP is also beneficial due to the similarities in the 3 languages as all are Object Orientated and use similar syntax (language, layout and so on) - although Java is quite possibly the misbegotten son of satan.

Try a "Sams teach yourself C++ in 24hours" as a good introductory book. I used their books for all 3 of the above languages and have a pretty decent grasp of them all now, though I try to forget Java on purpose (university made me learn it).

[Kraellin]

i wouldnt completely forget basic, at least not visual basic. this one still has a few uses for small utilities and apps. however, i agree with ashen in his other picks... C++ for games and large apps and java and php for web based stuff. even C still has some uses in larger apps and games.

K.