[OrsenPike]

IMHO you started him with boring languages. C and Forth? If he has an Android phone I would have started with Java. Otherwise I would have just started with Python. He would probably have found it much more engaging than C to begin with and wouldn't have required so much work on your part. Just my 2c from personal experience like yours.

[walshemj]

I would not start with java its such a wordy language and seems to require and inordinate amount of effort and an uber fast machine) to set up a working tool chain.

You should start with basic prcedural languages first leave OO for later

[NAFV_P]

C is like a Lockheed F104-Starfighter, fast and hazardous. This gives it an alluring appeal, along with its amoral nature. Also, I would say that languages get more interesting the more you understand about them.