I want to code a program to xfer data through the net
 

Basically I just want to be able to transfer simple variables to someone else using my same program in C++. For multiplayer sorts of things, etc. I need some sort of tutorial or book to get me started, or just telling me the term for what I'm after would help... hell, even letting me know what I need to Google would be helpful at this point. I don't even have enough info to do that

Oh, and I would like it to be cross platform... doesn't NEED to be, but would be a huge plus

I take it you mean a game ("multiplayer"), what sort of licence are you looking for? Raknet has a
free for non commercial use license(creative commons) and is cross platform.

check out the beej tutorial..

^ AWESOME guide! Thank you very much. Perfect for me