I want to get into web development. So many options: Java, Perl, PHP, Python, ASP (Microsoft), ColdFusion. What's actually getting people hired right now?

Java for enterprise jobs — every big company is building J2EE apps. PHP if you want to get freelance web work quickly — it's everywhere. Python if you want to enjoy programming.

Perl was the king of web scripting for years but PHP has largely replaced it for new projects. Learn PHP and MySQL together — they're used everywhere for dynamic sites.

Start with Python. The syntax is clean, it teaches good habits, and the job market is growing. You can always pick up Java or PHP after — they'll feel easier.

Don't sleep on ASP/VBScript if you want Windows server jobs. Lots of corporate IT shops are Microsoft-only and those positions pay well.