Graphics questions

Hey guys, I'm sure you get hundreds of posts like this all the time, but I could use some advice before I try learning to make video games.


1) I'm trying to pick between OpenGL and DirectX. Anything that might sway my decision one way or the other?

2)If I pick OpenGL, should I use GLSL or Nvidia CG? Which yields better results graphics wise? Which has more cross-platform capability? Which is easier?

3) If I pick OpenGL, do I learn OpenGL ES or just straight OpenGL? To be honest, my interests are more towards developing for consoles and handheld consoles rather than for PC. Do I need to learn OpenGL before OpenGL ES? How similar are they?

4) How long would you say it takes to fully learn OpenGL or DirectX? I mean really know either of them and be able to create quality work. What about HLSL, GLSL, or CG?

(Note, I'm a very very inexperienced programmer. Like a beginner, really. I've had a year with C++ and that's about it. I'm just trying to figure this out before I spend time learning something potentially useless.)

Hey guys, OP here.

So I've read this thread and it seems as though OpenGL is the preferred choice. Am I to understand that I should be learning OpenGL ES if I have no desire to develop for Windows/Linux/Mac?

Also here's another problem. Nvidia CG.

I've read that GLSL doesn't work on the PS3, and the real language they use is Nvidia CG (and I'm guessing the PS Vita does this as well). Xbox 360 uses HLSL, and I'm assuming the Wii uses GLSL (and the 3ds).

Well fuck. Is that true? If I pick GLSL will I be restricted to developing for a platform that has barely any games?

Sorry if I'm being so paranoid about this.