new to .net - need direction

[dmarsh]

I didn't mention any specific books, just a google search to show loads available on VS 2010. The pdf with the training kits, firstly none of them published yet, secondly as I mentioned, they are test preparation aid's, they are not designed for learning in general.

Mircrosoft have the Step by Step series or theres Head First C# for complete newbies, I think realistically people starting out are gonna need multiple books, finish a basic introductory text, then start reading the more advanced ones. Most introductory books will cover the basics ok. Its largely down to personal choice, for the advanced stuff and exact syntax etc some programming books are far better than others, in fact some have some glaring errors, but I wouldn't worry too much as a newbie, just get coding.

C# copies its syntax and symantics largely from Java, and Java largely copied from C++, and C++ extended from C. The OO aspects of C#/Java/C++ probably go back to Smalltalk and Simula. Language designers generally have many influences. I suspect LINQ borrows from something like Scheme or Haskell. C# AOP features probably inspired by AspectJ. You'd need to find stuff from Anders Hejlsberg or Erik Meijer for more detail.

Colleges like to pick the Dietel books, never read one, they seen ok but nothing special, from whenever I flicked through one on C++/Java/C# in a bookshop. Generally I like the Microsoft .NET Development Series from Addison-Wesley Professional, I also like a lot of the Apress books, for the training kits and the MS employed expert title's I like the Microsoft Press stuff.

Look at the reviews on amazon and have flick through a few in a bookshop.