What to do first?

[Eleven]

If you choose c/c++, i'd go find a copy of VC++ 6, its probably ~160mb (entire visual studio package). Using command-line compilers when learning c++ can be a pain, syntax highlighting is a must, otherwise things can get messy. Also saves the need to remember arguements

I remember my old C64, i was never into programming on it, but i definately remember late nights playing zork and <obtaining> games