I recommend bloodshed dev C++ for a free compiler, it has an IDE too! completely free! it might work on vista, i have it on an xp system sitting right next to me, and i installed xp pro 64 bit on this one a couple days ago.. mm why not get a free one with an ide is what i think :) well on the site it supports xp, doesn't say anything about vista so i would give it a try, it's a pretty good compiler Bloodshed Software - Dev-C++ <-- link and if you're beginning always remember, the variable on the Left hand side of the = sign gets assigned the value of whatever is on the right hand side, pretty simple, right? i made that mistake a long time ago.. i don't have any more advice, sorry. but, i would help you debug some code if it's simple..