xp programming beginner seeks direction

ungerwear

I would like to write programs for windows xp, but I don't have a clue where to start. If you had to start over again, what do you wish you would have known? I've programmed in C and various assembly languages so I have a fairly good sense of the programming in general, but the specifics needed to START is a bit overwhelming at this point. I'd appreciate some good tips on learning resources and "free" software.