hmmm... I started at learning Qbasic(
)I think its best if u want to get kind of familiar with programming, your should start off with Qbasic--->Visual Basic---->C and C++ or Delphi. but I think C++ is a better language, its wat windows is programmed in, maybe try learning C Sharp.
Yes Vb is a cheap easy way but C++ can do alot more than VB. Like cookie said it depends on what you are comfortable with, lots of people are comfortable with VB b/c its easy. (costs lots of money), and lots of a experts are comfortable with C++ because you can do more things with it. but still VB is stilla a good programming language...(can be dodgy sometimes, but still a good language.
Home with info helps in n e way.