If you want to learn programming, choose a programming language that has scope, currently Java or C# DotNet or even Ruby. If you had studied C or C++ earlier, and you know about arrays,  functions, variables etc, then its no use going back to C /C++, and trying from the beginning. If you know the basics of C, start with Java.

Don't worry about making any websites or management softwares. Don't think of database yet. Buy a good latest version of book, and complete the whole book from the first page to last. Don't divert your mind anywhere. Just focus on one resource in the beginning.

When you have finished the book and know the basics right, then its time to worry about real life problems and softwares. If you are stuck into any problems while learning or even setting up the environment, then post your problems here, and  you will find someone to help you out.