I believe C++ was targeted for destruction by Microsoft to stave off Linux (and any other threatening OS). They pushed C#, VB.Net, and other languages that were useful only under the Microsoft OS--and they actively lured developers into learning these exclusively MS technologies. I, for one, no longer waste time going thru the learning curve for platforms that are "here today--gone tomorrow". I used to be an overly zealous Microsoft code-zombie with a CSCI degree, and my Unix buddies chanted "evolution, not revolution" in my face whenever I raised the Microsoft flag. Now I know they were right... Use C++ for big projects, C for smaller apps, Java when needed, PHP for scripting--and your skills won't become obsolete with the next Microsoft "revolution"... C++ will always be a relevant platform. I welcome its return to prominence...