Hi! I have a few questions about Direct3D and DirectX. Sorry I know that this site is mainly about OpenGL stuff but I am just wonderring whether there is anywhere as good site as this 1 about Directx and Direct3D. The reason I am asking is because I would like to start learning about this stuff. question 1: where can I get these programming tools to build software in DirectX or Direct3D on Windows. any links to download it? question 2: To be honest I don''t know much about it! is there any difference between DirectX and Direct3D in terms of building eg. a simple game (that''s what I am looking for) eg. performance, complexity? question3: Are these 2 DirectX and Direct3D more advanced tools to build advanced graphics (eg. game) than OpenGL? question 4: Why Direct3D has a bigger popularity in gaming industry then openGL? question 5: Is MS Visual C++ used to compile Direct3D programs? Thank you very much!!!!

1.http://msdn.microsoft.com/directx/
2. DirectX is a collection of APIs like Direct3D, DirectSound, ...
3. Direct3D is certainly not any more advanced tha OpenGL!
4. I think it is a 100% commercial decision. In the beginning had Direct3D better hardware support and now do you have the X-Box that is using Direct3D only.
5. Visual C++ is the most popular but you have some alternatives.