I would also recommend AutoIt if you want it simple, or TurboDelphi if you want it all. Both have you running your first program in minutes, and I use them both myself (mostly Delphi, although I use the Professional edition of BDS). There are also free Microsoft Visual Studio Express editions, but I don't like the IDE.
Btw, if you want the freedom to choose any language, take a look at Eclipse.
Btw, if you want the freedom to choose any language, take a look at Eclipse.
