I'd like a recommendation for a free downloadable basic programming language

I'm just looking for a good, easy to use free product useful for small scripts. Nothing too elaborate, no graphics or anything fancy. I know asking for basic just shows my age. I just don't have the time to learn something new. I started down the road of learning C++ a couple of years ago but never got too far. Right now I can't get a C program to fruition without help from my collegues at work. I remember finding basic very easy to use in high school (with assignment bonuses I got 102% don't you know ;-). I've done some searches and found lots out there I just don't know what would be a real newbie's best bet. Thanks in advance for any advice you might be able to send my way.

Hip Hip

If you have Windows, you may already have QBasic. At least up until Windows 98 SE it was on the installation disk in a folder called "Old MSDos" or "Old Windows" or like that. If you don't have it, I'm pretty sure you can still download it from one of the QB fan clubs on the net. There are a few other free BASICs out there, but QB left 'em all in the dust, a few years ago when I looked at it. There might be something now for Linux.

There's also "First Basic," which is shareware. $25 if you decide you like it. You can d/l this from: http://www.powerbasic.com/files/pub/pbdos/

FB is very similar to QB. You might want to try them both. They are both compiled languages, but the compilation process is seamless. BASIC still has this reputation of being an inferior interpreted language, but that hasn't been true for eons. They both work in the DOS environment. You want Windows, ya has ta cough up some dough.

There's another free Linux-type language, similar to BASIC but more elegant. Somebody will chime in and remind me of the name. QB will probably do what you want, though. And it's a natural first step toward VB.

ETF