programming languages

If you plan on getting this program go to http://www.bloodshed.net and get a free C++ compiler. Use it to compile DLL files for your games. Not being able to compile with Visual C++ that comes on the CD really makes hard to create you're own effects for games. Learn C++, download the free compiler and learn how to use the free compiler. Not all code will work automatically with Dev-C++ so you need to find you're own work arounds. It comes with the lates compiler which I think is GCC 3.6 (see gcc's website).

this is an ok set for people looking to get into game design. you can get the book at your bookstore, and that's really the only thing worth anything in the box, and it's not even that great: just a bunch of anecdotes and short interview sections from some noteworthy people in the field. there's not really much time in any section to go in-depth, and the same is true with the software included. you can't save, or in the case of the visual C++ kit, you can't compile, which means you can write your code and just look at it.
my recomendation is this: if you want to program, get as much math as possible, way beyond calculus 3 (quaternion, non-linear, and matrix algebra are just some of the subjects you'll need), and get lots of good experience in C++, and a degree is the best way to go. if you want to go the art side, draw, draw, draw. go to an art school, and get a degree in the field. the Art Institutes, Savannah College of Art and Design and DigiPen Institute of Technology are just some of the noteworthy schools.
whatever you do, 4 year degrees are better than 2, and make sure it's accredited.

All it comes with are DEMOS. YOu can't even save your own games as a standalone product, for that you have to spend even more money. The book is great, but the rest is ..... You can't even create 3d stuff because you can't save in the 3d editor! If you are considering this product, don't get it, i guarantee you will be disapointed