ok i read a bunch of the other posts but responces are very vaige... like "i have this book" ect... -i know the simple C++ stuff like arrays and structs -i know a lil bout classes, and a lil bout pointers... and i was hoping to learn how to do windows based programing... i know absolutly nothign about windows programming or direct x stuff so i need a book that starts with the basics. can anyone recommend a good book for someone in my position... i heard tricks is a good book, but i dunno if assumes u know nothing or not... thanx in advance.

My opinion would be to get to learn the programming lanuage quiet god before you advance into parts of it (ae. Graphics or game programming)
So to learn the language quiet a bit would be my sugestion.. then to go into directx there are books specific for that..

erm well ive been doign c++ in school... ive done tons of projects and lotsa games and stuff... i need something to challenge me now... and i cant learn more if im just doing the same stuff over again.

There are two books that I have experience with. The first is Windows Game Programming for Dummies by La Mothe. Jumps straight into Windows programming early on assuming you have a working knowledge of C or C++. Starts with the very basics from registering and creating a window to using Direct X. I think this would give you a good start in Windows.

The second is a relatively new one, Game programming All In One by deSousa. However it doesn''t get into Windows programming until 1/3 of the way through, covering basics like Functions etc. What it does do well is teach you how to program in a clean way if you''re interested.

I personally prefer the layout of the latter book although both are very good.

Hope this helps.