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Visual Basic

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Visual basic is an advanced version of the BASIC programming language by Microsoft. It is a good language for writing quick GUIs for Windows, although a lot of programmers look down apon VB, saying it gets you into bad habits. I've used VB for a few years now, and, as far as I know, haven't got into any bad habits ;). VB is fairly good for newbies, but I think that learning a more beginner-language would be best to start with.

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C++

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C++, the language of the greatest programmers, the greatest programs, and the greatest errors. C, and C++ are complicated. They are built for writing large programs, and not for teaching programming. If you've used VB, and found it limiting, or want to write non-windows programs, then C(++) is a good next choise, however, I would *not* recomend it for newbies. However, all the largest standard programs are written in it, and if you want to get a job as a programmer, then you'll probably need to learn it. If your getting a job as a programmer, you'll either know it already, or understand enough programming to pick it up quite easily.

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Perl

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Perl is a "Hackers language". It has a lot of strange quirks, but also is very good at doing practically anything. It is often used for making dynamic (databased) websites, but can also be used for writing email-clients, IRC bots, or even OPENGL games! At times perl can be very elegant, but at other times, becomes really ugly. Its a very useful language to learn, but is probably best to learn a few other languages first.

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Java

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Java is a language which was originally designed to be run on all computer platforms, like windows, mac, linux, solaris, amiga, etc. It is similar in some ways to C(++), and many people concider it a lot better. However, it tends to run quite a bit slower, and, like C(++) is quite hard.

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Logo

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Logo is a very easy language, written to teach people how to program, and also draw loads of cool picture ;)! In logo you use commands to move a "turtle" about the screen, giving it commands like "FORWARD 20", "RIGHT 90", etc. It is very good for learning programming on, and there are many books on it.

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Python

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Similar to perl, another hackers-language. I'll probably get lynched for saying that. It is more structured than perl, and so easier for beginners. I've learned quite a lot recently, and am beginning to write some games in it. Hopefully the re-write of Roller Park. Many unix people say that python is a very good beginner language. I agree. More complicated than Logo, but a "real" language, some people would say, as you are not "just" moving a turtle around a screen. Blender, and quite a lot of other apps, use it for a scripting system for automating basic tasks and such.

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Klik 'n Play

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Yes, that is the correct spelling. KNP is a very simple point'n'click language from clickteam which allows you to write games very simply, and helps (particually younger children) people to learn about writing games, and is a good introduction for a kid who "wants to write games". Like me. :)
It is *very* limited, but very simple. Once you've learned this, then Games Factory is a good step up, as it used the same system, but allows a lot more.

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The Games Factory

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Games Factory is a "step up" from KNP. It allows many more complicated programs (games) to be written, such as games with saving, scrollable levels, etc. It still uses the same sort of "point 'n'click, but is more complicated, as it has a lot more. I use this quite a bit for writing games.

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Click And Create

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Also called "Multi Media Fusion Express". Another "click" programming langauge. This one is a bit out of date, and has been replaced by Games Factory and multi-media fusion.

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MultiMedia Fusion

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MMF is yet *another* step up in click programming... It takes on where TGF (and CnC) left off, and so is more complicated still, but allows you to do more. I've not used MMF, but a few of my friends have (on smiley productions), and they say its better, but harder. I dont think I'll ever be getting this, as I'm learning more and more text-based languages, such as C(++), perl, python, etc. However, if you have used TGF till the point where you are getting annoyed at the limits, but dont think you want to learn a text-language, then MMF may be what your looking for. You can contact me here:

You have to type it in yourself, sorry for the inconveniance,
but I'm trying to stop SPAM.