I agree with most of the programming geeks here, that one should learn c/c++ first then go to the Visual one. I believe that the libraries of Visual C from M$ is not upto the task, so if you really want the real strength---------go for c++.
VC is good to have for some extra advantage for your help and ease, but you should first learn the rules to break them properly. Now, go to the market and buy a good book on C++... I think a month is enough to learn basics of C++, extra hard can pay you off...
If you ask me, I'll always say, learn C++ first. It's easy!
Good luck...