Start with scripting. I agree python. On linux learn bash, on windows powershell(batch is dead). When you start C(++), use GNU(MinGW).
Keep in mind once you learn C you will no longer have API's to depend on. RFC's will be your source of information, not a place for a rookies. Say you want to use FTP, here is your info:
http://www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc959.htmlFun, huh? Take your time in learning, otherwise you'll learn 1/4 of 500 languages... And know nothing about using them. Alot of newbies say: "I can code C#, C, C++, asm, VB, fortran, java, delphi, perl, ruby, python, brainfuck, etc...", but the most they are capable of doing is copy/pasting a hello world program.
Go with scripting, but don't forget to come back to C later... It'll make you elite. If for hacking, drop the ++.