VB is ok if you're in too much of a hurry to use a more complete language (drag & drop does save time), and also if you're only interested in developing for Windows. Java is nice, & not as difficult to learn as C or C++. Some of the best advice I received regarding my own development as a programmer was to not get so caught up in which language to use. Language choice is important, but not as important as logic / design / etc. If I use the most expensive paint to paint a rusted car, I still just have a rusted car (i.e. a weak structure).

That's my $.02 worth.