Well, if you're just starting out, I'd suggest VB.NET.  If you go here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/atthemovies/ and watch some movies about VB.NET, they'll give you a legal copy for free.

John Fiala
jcfiala523-at-hotmail.com
http://www.livejournal.com/users/fiala_tech/