I recently downloaded DirectX SDK but my Visual Studio 6 does not compile the samples. I really want to get into programming directX graphics but I am unsure where to begin as I am a total noob to gfx programming under Windows. Sure, I know X under linux but this is totally different.

I have a tutorial on direct x but for some reason (Prolly .NET issues) the compiler throws out weird errors on the sample direct X code.

So, can you recommend a starter book for direct x and a compiler that works with Direct X 9? I am currently using Visual C++ but I am getting nowhere fast.

Any ideas how to get my first pixel plot in full screen mode under windows?

No worries. I have read some threads from google search and decided Direct X is not good for a noob to learn. This lead me to purchase a openGL bible from amazon.

I am thinking about getting into games programming and I guess this is a good way to start as most people get active within hours of learning OGL.

If you want to learn game programing HLSL (high level shading language) is the way you can create real time shaders with, Nehes open gl tutorials were quit popular some time ago but i cant seem to find them over the net now(?)

NeHe Productions: OpenGL Lessons

Yeah, here is some lessons. Personally, I am finding this really difficult. Sure, the compiler is working now and I can get full screen mode in opengl (Visual C++) but I am having problems with drawing multiple shapes to the screen.

tester(); is where I am calling a routine from within a for() loop to plot multiple quad shapes but so far it really sucks and does nothing of the sort.

Hopefully the OpenGL Bible will help out somewhat with the concepts behind the language.

yep concepts are very particular to OGl but if you have a good grasp of C(what i dont have) you'll learn it.