i had a programming class or two around ten years ago, for a different language. one was for c++, but i dont think i ever even completed a semester. and a year or two ago i read about a third of a "learning c++ in 21 days book". when i started using the sdk, i didnt know what a vector was, and i had only a loose, confused understanding of how the separate files in the sdk were connecting the functions back to the main object. i thought pointers were intimidating, and didnt understand the notataion for them. and for pretty much all but the most basic things, like how to declare an integer, and how to do arithmetic, i was constantly checking websites to remember the syntax. in other words, aside from my construct sdk experience, im pretty much a newb myself. i dont use express, so i dont know about the hoops and such, but those issues aside, the sdk is an excellent learning tool, because you get a large immediate reward for learning new concepts...its a great motivator, and gives you instant ideas for practical applications of new programming concepts....as far as newb questions, ashley is great with newb sdk quesstions, and for newb c++ questions that might have seemed like sdk questions, linkman, and aeal, and i will be glad to help, if the rest of the info on the net doesnt get the job done