title: How to start in Windows development?
body: <p>I've been a Unix-based web programmer for years (Perl and PHP).  I'm also competent with C and C++ (and bash and that sort of sysadmin sort of stuff) in terms of the language itself.  I've never had a problem learning a new language (I mucked around with Java a few years ago and whilst I could write it I just didn't like it as a language).</p>
  
  <p>What I don't have any experience with is the vast array of frameworks that exist for writing graphical Windows applications.</p>
  
  <p>I have a few ideas for Windows-based applications that I want to work through.  I could do this is Perl/TCL/TK but I want something more "native" for a variety of reasons.</p>
  
  <p>Through my current company I have access to Microsoft tools (and the licences to use them for "development") so I've decided to teach myself something new.</p>
  
  <p>So, I've got Visual Studio 2008 installed.  I fired it up, cliked "New Project" and then got absolutely confused by the variety of types of new project I could start.</p>
  
  <p>Can someone please help me understand not only the fundemental differences but also any advice on what sort of things each type lends itself to?</p>
  
  <p>Assuming I'm going down the C++ route (I know the language hence not choosing C# - unless this is actually more advisable...) I could use:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>Windows Forms</li>
  <li>MFC Application</li>
  <li>Win32</li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>I also know that away from Microsoft I could use wxWidgets.  wxWidgets does appeal to me (cross platform, etc) but how does this compare to the various Microsoft options above?  I also know Qt exists.</p>