Programming

[Hudelf]

.NET is not an online programming language...

If you don't want anything online, Visual Basic is a good place to start, but I prefer Java over it.

C++ is a Windows platform standard, but can be a little difficult for a beginning programmer.

Really, it depends on what you want to be able to do. For example, Perl is excellent for string manipulation, but C++ is much faster and better suited to large applications and systems.

Also, as a warning, if you're not willing to put a large amount of time and dedication into learning how to program, don't bother. It's a bit like learning an "actual" language, like French or English. It take patience, but if you like it and are willing, it can be very rewarding.