This depends what you'd like to program for and what your target audience is. C++ and Java almost have the same learning curve to an extend - C++ is easier to pick up yet harder in the long run when your programs become more complicated. Java might be a little harder to pick up because it forces you to make ANY program object oriented even if you just want to add 2 numbers - but it's easier to maintain in the long run I think compared to programs developed in C++.

Let me know what kind of programs you'd like to write and what your target audience is - I'll help you out then.

well thats potentially literally the $64,000.00 ? isnt it?!!! i'm in a Catch22 position - i'm looking for deep & wide knowledge base -and neither r quick to achieve. i'm really focusing in on the web angle. i'm leaning towards adding Linux /Java /Oracle (i've got a basic cert in Lotus Notes Apps Dev to compliment Oracle, something else (P/CLP) that i'm going to put more emphasis on as well) to my Dreamweaver /Flash /Photoshop self-studies... :-\

Then definitely go with Java. It's perfect for the web envirnonment. It's gotten a bad rap from it's applets that have been coded by poor programmers, but it's a good language to do other tasks such as servers/networks, client applications, graphic user interfaces that can run with the same code on macs, unix, windows, to name a few. Also, once you know the basics, you can also try out JavaServer Pages\Servlets to develop web applications.

ok Dan, thanx 4 the FFT, much appreciated! btw, my name's Paul... 8)

Hey Pauly.

eh? "Pauly" ? > "Paulie" ? >
Paul?

Yeah... Pauly... you're in the mafia, aren't you?

mafia is a blight on a particular culture as well as society in general.
Paul.

So it's a misused word? Is that what you're saying?

there is NOTHING romantic, glamorous or, Dear Lord, honorable about the mafia. i dont really think i need 2 spell out the criminal activities that hey have no problems partaking in, do? if ur basing ur interpretation of the mafia lifestyle on the illusions of the print & entertainment industries, amongst others, then i'd be surprised that i'd need to tell u u dont have a realistic picture @all. i found the linkk below in only a few minutes of searching - the third paragraph, not including the bulleted list, is the most telling.
http://www.alleged-mafia-site.com/history.htm