To get started without spending any money, download the .NET framework from Microsoft's web site. Then download and install Web Matrix from
http://www.asp.net . This is a free cut down version of Visual Studio, Microsoft's programming environment. These two things will allow you to write ASP.NET code and test it on your home PC without any hosting software or complicated configurations.
When it comes to languages, I would suggest it depends on your previous experience. I used to use JavaScript a lot and found the transition to
VB.NET pretty easy to deal with. I haven't however used C# and so couldn't comment on how easy or otherwise it may be.
Good luck,
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:) James Sellwood :)
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