How to get started?

This is a repost of my post on the VB Express board.

I would like your opinions.

I am a network guy. I learned basic years ago. I can do some html edits as needed to change sites.

Today I would like to start the long process of learning VB with .net applications. I thought I could start with Office developer xp to learn VB. I have that package.

I also would like to be able to build SQL quaries and integrations or automate and manipulate data exports and imports later down the road.

Example: Export various order and customer information from a shopping cart and import it in to Quickbooks or MS Accounting.

First off I need to be able to build web sites and I know I want to grow into VB and SQL.

What should I do?

Learn HTML from web monkey?

Start with Office xp developer Tutorials?

Start with VB Express?

Buy a book?

Can someone tell me where to start and when to move to the next language?

What is the best resource to get to it, without the bla bla bla and a commnd/syntax refference?

How do I mix Html, CSS and .Net (VB)...in the learning process?

I would like to get the fast track for the long haul.

Thanks so much.

There are a lot of different ways to get started. Think about how you like to learn. Do you like the class environment, informal or structured, do you just like to play with new technology, do you like to read and then apply what you learn.
Here are some suggestions:
* Before you go and buy a bunch of books, go to your local library and see what interests you. Looks for books that give a lot of examples
*Come up with a simple application that you would like to create. Then find examples on how folks have done it already
*Search the internet for examples and samples
* focus on one technology first and then expand
* Purse MCP certification: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/default.mspx
* Download the free editions of products; such as SQL Server Express: http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/sql/
There are a lot or resources out there. Check out: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/books/default.mspx. The step-by-step series are great when you are just getting started.
The learning never stops & there is no quick simple solution.
Hope this helps,
Peter Saddow