If you never programmed in any language before then you need to start from the beginning. You have to learn variables, data types loops and decision branching. Every language does all these thing with wildly different syntax. Codecademy is not just random tutorials. It steps you through the basics of what you need to know in order to do even the simple stuff. Learning java script is just a small piece of the pie. what you realy need to start with is HTML and CSS(cascading style sheets) to learn how to create the interfaces to your JS code. JS does you no good if you can't get input and display output. Once you have HTML AKA basic web page design. JS and what you can do with it will make more sense. If what you are wanting is an all purpose language that you can make your own independent interfaces, like you get with executable programs then you might want to consider learning Microsoft C#, basic Free visual studio express or Java proper. both are free and you will most likely find you will never have to buy the premium versions.

A great place to start learning almost any language is codecademy It's free and covers a lot of material in a step by step manner. With everything you learn it tests your knowledge before moving on to the next subject. It won't teach you everything but it does give you that guided start which is the hardest part. Codecademy will also show you where to find good reference material to continue expanding your knowledge of a particular subject.

I wrote a Data entry app in VB.net and connected it to a SQL server 2005 database that is on our LAN. I was just informed that this app will have to be used offsite by multiple users at different locations around my state and it has to update a central data store. It would take me way too long to duplicate this app in ASP.net (I am ASP illiterate and only have a week to do this.) Is there a way I can get my fat client app to use my database, which sits on my local area network? My company does have a domain and we do have an IIS server but I'm clueless.