Well I've selected a language to learn... C# or otherwise known as C Sharp.
I've picked this language mainly because I wanted to develop software for Windows since it happens to be the prevelant Operating System at the moment. Also, Microsoft released a bunch of tools for their .NET (dotNET) Framework 2.0 based upon Visual Studio .NET 2005; The Express Tools.
I've chosen to go with Visual C# .NET 2005 Express. This is a beta tool that expires in March of 2005 so I have quite a long time before I have to think about purchasing this tool. Even then when I do have to purchase it Microsoft is setting these tools up to be a lower cost and lighter weight version of the complete Visual Studio 2005 product.
I also chose C# because I have several friends who are programmers who know not only C# but C, VB, VB.NET, C++, etc. They have all offered their help in my learning to program.
My next post will have my impressions of the beta product as well as download links to the full download version of the 'net install fails as it did with me.
Enjoy :)