Hey guys,
The only programming I know is some VB/ASP and Flash ActionScript (which is basically ECMA script). I want to replicate some of the stuff I have done in Flash in a faster, compiled application. I figure this is a good way to get immersed in Java, but all the talk about about C++ and C# has me wondering...

Which language would be best for desktop animated/3D interfaces? I know for 3D there is openGL for 3D in windows, but I have no idea how to take advantage of it.
My specific idea is to build a little file explorer that is in 3D with some nice animation.

I know this is ambitious for a non-programmer, but I've got the physics/cartesian plane stuff wired in Flash and want to grow a bit in the coding department...

thanks,
tim