Most professional programmers know more than one language, and it is usually one of those. Even if you get hired to program Visual Basic or Java, chances are good you ll be expected to be at least familiar with it. It is taught to computer science students in college, but unless you re really attracted to getting a degree, you want to find a more money and time efficient route to learn it for your new computer career. You can find classes in just about any junior college, technical school or computer school. There are many online classes.
Some people learn it from books or CD-ROMs.
No matter how you choose to learn it plan on investing in reference books and a compiler program. Plan on spending a set number of hours every weeknight evening, or weekend, or whenever your personal schedule allows. After you ve learned the basics, network with programmers, both online and offline. Find your local users group and attend their meetings. Visit C web sites, subscribe to email listserves and participate in discussion groups on this computer career.