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Dare I say Java? Seriously though, Java is a good programming language to start with. You get used to C style syntax, but don't have to much with memory management and architectural differences. Plus you can use Eclipse, a great IDE, for free!

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I think learning Java is a great way to get turned off to programming. There's just too much busy-work you have to do before you can actually do anything interesting. Pick a language where Hello World is one line.

I agree with this. I also think that the REPL of Lisp, Ruby's irb, and Python's IDLE are very valuable for the new programmer. I knew a few languages when I hit graduate school, but I ended up doing most of my "programming" in Matlab because of the interactive shell. When I first picked up Python and later Ruby and Lisp, I was delighted by the interactivity. The instant feedback, even when it's negative, just feels more forgiving than compiler errors, and the whole process of trying things out at a prompt feels more like learning than code/compile/run.

great way to get turned off to programming

Not that it really matters (this is pure religion after all) but the sheer numbers of Java programmers suggest the exact opposite.

Eclipse is a great IDE once you get used to it, but I spent many days bewildered even though I was already fluent in Java when I first tried it.

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