I code in both C# and C++ (I've been doing C++ for over ten years now, C# for two years). C# is much easier, hands down, and given a choice I always go for C#. There are cases, however, where going C++ makes sense, esp where the client machine isn't expected to have the .NET framework. I'd go ahead and code your new project in C++ using VS2k8. It's one thing to read about using the Win32 and STL, quite another learning coding it. I would try to use generics for any collection classes and use patterns (such as the command pattern to encapsulate GUI commands/verbs). Bonus points would be to use background threads to update any GUI controls (such as a listbox) without crashing your app (you'll have to create delegates to safely update the control). C++ is still in use, and I don't expect it go away anytime soon... but I'd rather make my living in C# since (to me at least) it's so much easier. Congrats on your new job!