Perhaps you are looking for the wrong answer... Don't look for a programming langauge to start off with, Start off with html. Get a beginner book to build a website. Only notepad would be required, and a copy of an internet browser. Get them to build their own website with pictures and all. That would be a good simple start. Getting a copy of something like expression web 2 ( 3 is out now so you should be able to get a cheap copy of 2 ).... is a wisiwig designer for web pages too. Leraning html / css for web pages, can then lead to asp.net ( web page programming using vb.net / c#.net ). Cheers' Miro

If you are interested in a good video about the history of visual studio - this is a good vid. Part 1 and 2 http://channel9.msdn.com/shows/VisualStudioDocumentary/[^]