re: Best first programming lang: Python, Java, C#/++?

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As an introductory language? Absolutely not.

Start with Ruby or Python.

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QFT.

I like Ruby better than Python -- I think it's more consistent in its design -- but as far as "learning how to program" and "learning how to learn new languages", they're pretty much equivalent and Python is more popular, so there are more resources devoted to it easily available.

As always in these threads, I'll plug MIT's OpenCourseware, especially 6.00SC; designed for beginners, taught in Python, and teaches some of the basics of Computer Science, not just "write a bitchin' app"

ETA: reference to C and EdX CS50. I haven't looked at the EdX course yet, but I agree that 'C' should be at the core of knowledge for anyone who wants to be a good programmer. I'm not sure it's the best thing to start with though; I like interpreters and REPL for introductory stuff.

OP might have enough background from what he's done to jump past Python into C without being intimidated, though.