I''m just beginning to work with graphics - actually, I haven''t even started yet. I''ve got the C++ basics down using a free command line compiler, but I know next to nothing about Visual C++ and nothing at all about graphics and DirectX. I''ve downloaded and installed the DirectX SDK and cdxlib''s, but I''m having strange problems with the cdxlib''s (detailed in another post). Should I just try and use program DirectX stuff without the use of an "interfacing" set of libraries, such as the cdxlib''s? Is there another graphics package worth looking at? Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

Hi! I''m facing the same situtation...
I downloaded SDL from libsdl.org and I really like it, so much easier than DirectDraw.
Get it and at least 2 tutorials here on GameDev(articles&resources). It''s pretty simple...

Just to let you know of all the options, there is also openGL. I personally found it easier than DX and its possible to start using it with little or no knowledge of windows programming (GLUT library). It supports both 3D and 2D, but i think its mostly used for 3D (just like DX).

SporadicFire.