Originally posted by Edgerobber:
A simple enough question - what is a good way to get into programming ?
Visual Basic if you have ABSOLUTELY NO programming experience. If you have even the slightest bit, I'd go for Java. It will give you a good introduction into object oriented design.

I don't know too much about the dummies books but they are okay if you want simple examples . If you want something more advanced, Deitel And Deitel books are probably the best. It's what they use in college and they are very thorough.

Some good java sites:
http://javaboutique.internet.com/ http://java.sun.org


Good Luck!