Well I have a book that I have had for ages called C++ For Dummies... it includes GNU compiler on a CD-ROM so I am wondering if perhaps I should begin with that or if there is a free online source I should begin with. I plan on going into the video game industry (PC) so I figured I might as well get a head start.

Arg. That book is pretty damn terrible. At least get an easier to use compiler+IDE: http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/visualc/download/

So use the book but not the compiler? Or do I need to throw that book in the closet and never touch it again:P

http://www.bloodshed.net/dev/devcpp.html
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Click it fool!

I suppose its not too bad, I read through a little bit of it. You might try to find Accelerated C++, its certainly a much better book and teaches better programming practices.