Approaching C# and the .net platform...

[JoeXIII'007]

I did a brief search and could not find anything regarding the topic noted above, so here goes.

Note to high schoolers into programming: if you get programming a bit, particularly object oriented, you just might want to look into C# (or java, they seem related). At least get started with them for some experience.

My question for those who have gotten into this development already: what would you recommend as an approach to learning the .net (or Java) platform (via books, online tutorials, etc.)? What method of 'immersion' would you recommend for the best quality learning experience.

I ask this because on October 20 of last year here at Washtenaw Community College and this past Saturday (May 10) at Davenport in Grand Rapids I went to these Day of Dot Net seminars and found myself intrigued and curious as to how .net works. Problem being it appears it takes a lot of experience to start making Windows Forms Apps (of any sort) and the tutorials I have encountered that cover the language C# itself dont really get in depth with the available libraries.

In short, I get the C# language (edit: when it comes to syntax and structure), the next natural step is learning the platform and/or how to create Windows Forms Apps and etc. with C#, and I am curious where people started when it came to that part of learning C# .net (or Java).

Thanks!

-Joe

edit: Visual Basic... I'll look into it, but I am really heavily focusing on C# (In Visual Express 2008, what I currently use). Thanks though for the pointers on that aspect.