Looking for a course....

Have you considered taking a computer science class at your local college or university?

Take a professional course. If you go the teach yourself route real programmers will laugh at your code. You'll also get a degree which is very helpful.

Depends on what type of software you want to develop. Ubonto is great tool for non technical users. But not for real programmers.

whenever i want to learn something i go to lynda.com - for me they offer the best courses and i can quickly learn whatever i want :-)

You can learn the basics and a bit more on YouTube for free

If your not really a self-learning, just go sign up for a class.

Check out "Head First" books. I learned C# in a weekend. I've also learned php & javascript via these books. You can pick up a used one on amazon or ebay. Well worth it!

Cameron,

If you have time you don't know what to do with, don't start programming desktop software. I have been creating desktop software for 20 years. Trust me, you will be wasting your time. Unless you have a very good reason for it, it will be a waste of time.

To many people know how to create mediocre desktop software already. And if you have no experience or theory, you will spend years and years learning how to create great software.

Here is my suggestion: Learn about business, learn how to sell, and learn how to communicate with people instead.

It will be much better use of your time.

If you still want to learn programming, get a good book on java programming. Then study it day and night for 3 months from cover to cover creating project after project with simple programs.

After that, find a problem many people have that a software solution can solve and go for it.

And one more thing...if you are in a relationship, and REALLY get into learning programming and really like it, say sorry for being absent minded and anto social a few dozen times to your loved ones before you start because when you get into it, that's the result.

At least it was for me in the beginning.

Oh yes, and starting to learn programming with C++ is like learning construction by building a copy of the Trump Tower.

I know because that's where I started.

~Olav

Ok then thank you everyone for your help. I have a few ideas and will get searching.

I have a couple of ideas for some simple software thats all. I dont want to get into major degrees or anything. Just simple stuff. The basics thats all I need.

I have been doing internet marketing for 7 years now, So I know how to sell and do most things online. Just wanting to expand my experience.