Thanks.
As for software recommendations, my taste is "simple" - the simpler 
the better -  Operating system: Windows XP, builing databases and 
manipulating the data and stored values.... And later, once I am 
familiar with the language, to build a website. What program(s) would 
I need for these needs?

Rae

On Jan 29, 3:19 pm, cmdjackr... / googlemail.com wrote:
> Rae wrote:
> > Is there a book like programming Ruby for dummies or other such
> > elementary learning tool?
> > Can someone recommend some really basic beginner books for Ruby? One
> > that would include the software and other tools you need to make a
> > program? I see a lot of code examples on the various tutorial sites
> > but nothing really on what programs you need to make a Ruby program.
> > What software I'd need to buy or hopefully download free. I have
> > FreeRide and some java programs and Netbeans (which apparantly doesn't
> > work with .rb files)
>
> > I'm more interested in creating a web with Ruby on Rails but was told
> > I need to learn Ruby first.http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/
> Has code examples and little exercises, and is very helpful, with a nice
> progression.
>
> http://poignantguide.net/ruby/
> With foxes and crunchy bacon 'Nuff said ;)
> Seriously: It is quite good, but the style isn't for everyone.
>
> http://www.ruby-doc.org/docs/ProgrammingRuby/
> The "PickAxe" as free online book, although it is only the first edition
>
> As to the programs needed to write a Ruby script: A text editor is
> enough. Everything else depends on a number of variables (like taste,
> preferred OS, required features, etc.)
>
> - Phill