I would like to get into programming, wanna help?

You sound pretty much like my clone from that description. I’m trying to get into 3D modeling and I do basic programming as a hobby sometimes. I’m pretty new at both but I suggest using Python to start programming if you can find a way to do it on a mac.

BTW What 3D modeling program do you use?

Edit: I checked. It works on the Mac.

Have a look at Processing.
It’s pretty cool and can do a lot of stuff.

This Guy is pretty awesome. So maybe you’ll find some inspiration there.

I would recommend ruby, since you already work on the web. It simply is the most fantastic programing language, and actually really easy to learn. Plus once you learn RoR (ruby on rails) you can implement some really great web apps into your pages. There is tons of free material out there to learn.
My favorite Ruby guide (not your typical programing guide, you’ll see what I mean):
http://poignantguide.net/ruby/

Also, http://tryruby.hobix.com/ will let you give it a try without installing anything, all in browser.
As far as I remember, OSX ships with a ruby compiler built into the terminal, so all you need is a nice text editor, like the greatly recommended TextMate to begin.

There’s a lot of factors to consider here. Most importantly what kind of programming are you wanting to do? Do you want to build dynamic web applications, desktop applications, or even mobile phone apps? Then, what kind of applications are you interested in building? What will they do? The language you choose should have libraries which provide functionality so you don’t have to redesign the wheel. Finally, why do you want to learn? Are you a hobbiest, or are you looking for work? Some technologies are more desirable from a hiring standpoint than others.

Get back to us about those factors and I can tell you what technologies you need to learn. But no matter what, don’t assume that you have to change your OS to program. The only programs you need are a text editor, and the software that your language requires to compile, or interpret your code. The Eclipse IDE is full featured and free, but for someone just learning it’s like handing your mom Final Cut Pro to teach her to edit home movies.

@elumas and intro24 I am venturing in the same areas.

I am using MAYA for 3D. I had used it about 6 years ago so I am familiar with it.

I am going to take a web class. I will let you know anything I come across that might help from a beginners stand point.

Update: the site I posted is now
http://web.mac.com/elumas/www.Thomas.com/Thomas.html

That is a really cool site! nice job.

You have done some nice work.

Did you play around with a lot of different things?

Eventually you can work on some consistency of theme.

GREAT JOB!

“If I get a Linux computer, what kernel?”

Well, first point, Linux is the kernel. And a computer is OS independent and so you just install a Linux distribution onto the computer, instead of Windows. It isn’t a special computer :)

I think what you meant by your statement was if you were to buy a new computer what Linux distro (or distribution) should you install. I would suggest, if you’re totally new to Linux, that you go with either Ubuntu, Fedora or another distro of your choice. I started with Ubuntu, it’s user friendly and has a nice GUI and good support via the community. I now use Fedora but I have tried Gentoo, openSUSE, and a few others lightly.

However, saying all this, you do not need Linux to learn how to program/code. But to answer any further you really need to read Jesse’s post above which is a brilliant statement to anyone wanting to learn how to program :)