[Best first 10 programs for begginers]

C++

Setting variables and displaying

Logic on variables and displaying

Data types and I/O

Calculations and other math operations

Defining arrays

Sorting arrays (bubble sort, swap sort)

Banking interest rates for different durations

NFL Passer Rating calculation

Pointers Intro

Vectors Intro

I believe that about sums up my CmpSci 101 I took in College. The next class would get into more OO principles - classes, objects, polymorphism, etc

[Java Compiler]

NetBeans is an excellent choice for the beginner for ease of setup

JGrasp is buggy, but also a good choice for the beginner because it is so primitive

[Where can I learn C#?]

Microsoft has a not so much publicized series called 'How Do I' videos.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/bb629407.aspx

asp.net has some great videos which are a great intro!

http://www.asp.net/learn/videos/