C++ is probably the way to go although VB is pretty much unmatched for grphical user interface generation under windows. If you're interested in C++, there are many free compilers you can download off the net. Just google it. I saw DJGPP pop up when I did, which I actually used in a course, but I have to admit it's really not very user friendly and doesn't work well under Windows XP. If you need anything to get started, you can always PM me.