Need new ideas

There are some C++ concepts I have never been taught or figured out, like accessing the internet or other programs. What about the possibility of creating your own operating system!!! Too advanced for me....What I wanted to try is to create an environement where four "nanites", with basic functions and ideas and unlimited resources for duplication and the ability to learn, can interact with each other. The result could be interesting...I just have no clue where to start.

um...learn AI techniques