New Programmer

I got my favorite shirt covered in paint today, Hi I'm Rigel.

I have little experience in programming, i used visual basic a semester ago briefly in a computer course and I enjoyed it a lot.  I was wondering if you guys can help me with choosing my first Programming language that is effective, easy to get tutorials for, and mostly Free. My friend is pushing Java on me but i want to know what you guys think would be good.

>>1
He's not a friend. Get out now.

Learn Scheme (using SICP) or Haskell (using Real World Haskell, or Learn You A Haskell). Google will take you to free online versions of the books you need.

If even glancing at these brain-bending languages sends you running and screaming, then go ahead and linger in your imperative-language ghetto, but do it with C or Ruby or Python instead of some other, shittier language.

Java (and C++) should only be learned by people who already know how to program and need to get real work done in a stifling corporate environment where you have to fill out eleven forms to get permission to take a shit.