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I'm new to linux and have no idea of how to program it. Can anyone give me any advice to help learn how to program?

Ok, thanks, i always did want to play with linux :3

If you've never done /any/ programming, I suggest you start with an easy-to-learn interpreted language like Perl: go to http://www.perl.com/pub/a/2000/10/begperl1.html or type 'perldoc perlintro' at the command-line. After you get down some of the most basic concepts of programming, you could move on to a language like C or C++ which are commonly used in Linux programming.

PerlCoder (http://indicium.us)

You know, it really is pointless getting into fights over which language is better, particularly when trying to help someone get started. To each his own; some languages are definitely better than others, but most often it comes down to personal tastes and the needs of the task at hand. Python is beyond useless for the sorts of problems that I deal with, but it's obviously a fine language. As is Perl. I think that you can do anything with C++, and indeed you can, but it's overkill and too much work for many problems. Knuxz, many many years ago I bought a large book, "Learn C++ in 21 Days", I think was the title. Now I parallel program. Browse the web and bookstores until something catches your fancy. And come back here when you have questions. But the best way to learn how to program, is to just do it.

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There are tons of online tutorials to get you started man, just start googling until you find something that tickles you. Perl programmers are going to convince you to learn Perl, Python programmers to learn Python - but you have to decide what you want your programs to DO and then start reading up on what people are using to do it. If you want to write web apps you should start with HTML, which isn't really programming language so much as a script that allows you to format web pages - but it's wicked freakin' easy to learn and you can just open the files in a browser to see the results, no compiling! Once you've got some basic web pages down, there are a bunch of really simple client-side javascript commands that you can stick in there to make your page do some interesting stuff, and when you're ready to really add some code on the back-end, that's what PHP is for. You can find all the info you need on all that stuff on www.webmonkey.com If you're looking hard at the Linux experience, C/C++ is the way to go. Most Linux distros come with text editors that highlight your code for you to make writing it easy, and the command line GNU compiler is basically built into the OS too. Like I said, hit google up for beginner tutorials and you'll get the added bonus of learning the Linux command line in the process. Once you get into it a little, check out the SDL libraries and you'll be making awesome graphical front-ends in no time.