Software development with Linux as platform
 

Hi

Not quite sure what I'm looking for so please, indulge for a few minutes:-) I've been playing around with programming on Windows, even took a college course in VB.net. But somehow I thing Linux is the way to go ahead. I', looking for various options for using Linux as a platform for development. I've narrowed it down to 2 languages, C++ and Java. My choice is based on the following:
A language that is usable independently of the OS platform, and a language whose syntax makes it easier to learn other languages down the line.

What I now wonder, are there any recommendations for choosing the one over the other? How is the quality for java development on Linux. Is this an ok starting point, or will it be more productive to dive in with C++? I've looked at using "Sam's teach yourself c++ development on Linux" as a resource.

Any help and feedback would be highly appreciated

/Andy.

I have that book. It doesn't have anything useful to classify it as Linux specific. Maybe a mention to vim and gcc.

But is the book a good resource for learning C++? I've seen it mentioned several places that is has little if any Linux specific information.