Hi guys I am completely new to programming. I have basically zero experience.

For a long time I have wanted to learn a programming language and for no real reason I selected C. I purchased 2 books based off the recommendation from this site and others.

Let us C and C programming language.

I've started reading them both and there is a lot to take in and I'm having a difficult time.

I would really like feedback/opinions on how others got their start? is there an easier book I should be starting from? is there easier ways to learn rather than books? eg. studying at a university or youtube etc?

Are there other resources I could use such as IRC channels that help out newbies? this forum seems to be for more advanced users, is there other forums I could be going to for beginners help?

Would really appreciate any help as I really want to learn.