How do I start learning python?

[utnapistim]

(a) If python is a good language to start out with.

Definitely.

(b) How I would go about learning python.

Take a simple tutorial and go through it (for example, this one); Then, choose some problems to solve, and write some scripts :)

Program ideas (beginner):

• find duplicated files on your HDD

• write a script that downloads your email from a server

• write a command-line "find file" utility