Although I am not initiated in programming, I felt it when I started to learn C++ and MFC despite C#, that C++ is more closer to the hardware components, to the heart of the machine, I felt that with C++ I can put my hands and get dirty, and so on that with WINAPI I can comunicate more closer with WINDOWS system, through the windows API functions, I felt that those are the right and honest stpes to get started in programming, I felt that these are the basics that I have to know to start an healty way of programming. But my goal is as you expressed yourself " to make myself an income" and for that appears that I have to learn more tools to be able to deliver a stand alone product. I don't know if my path is the good one but I keep pushing until I will succed. Thank you.