apress books /wrox publications books are also good ....be sure u r taking only beginner level book....there is detail abt .net technology

.net has a good scope... u can get more knoledge at microsoft web site

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.net is easier than java it includes(c#,asp.net,ado.net...) it has a grt tool visual studio2005/2008 which is avilable free of cost at microsoft website. try the "head first" book for starting...