Is Windows Vista worth buying right now, or should I wait awhile first?  How is the security?  It's supposed to be better, but is it really, or not?  Facts and opinions both welcome.

Welcome aboard!

I would say you should learn C++, then Python, and then some newer form of Web programming, such as XHTML or CSS.  C++ is complicated, but if you already have a background in programming, then it shouldn't be too bad.  If you aren't feeling up to it, then go with Python first, it's a bit easier.  Finally, HTML in itself is not powerful enough nor is it efficient enough to do you much good.  sites rarely use just HTML, but they combine it with some other language.  Java is great for designing web sites, but is good for little else.  It's good to have under your belt, but it won't do you much good unless you are dealing directly with the creation (or penetration) of web sites.
Hope this helps.