I wouldn't suggest anyone learn Ruby as a 1st language. I say this from a readability standpoint. I'd recommend python as a 1st language. My second recommendat

I wouldn't suggest anyone learn Ruby as a 1st language. I say this from a readability standpoint. I'd recommend python as a 1st language. My second recommendation is .NET / C#. You get the most bang for you buck. (WinForms / Silverlight / ASP.NET) I know everyone is over hyped on open source xy or z but in reality these require a good knowledge of a lot of various pieces of technology.