I think the OPs initial question is flawed.

What is your goal?

If it is to learn computer programming, you should understand that C and C++ were made to solve programming problems of decade sgone by. They are old and showing their age. Better languages have been released.

If your goal is to support legacy code, or modify the linux kernel you should learn C and C++.

If you want to make modern desktop apps, then you need to go with a different langauge and/or programming platform. C++ (as a language) is ill suited for the task. By default objects are passed by value, which isn't object oriented at all. Threading (which is becomming so important these days) is a pain in the ass.

If you want to make Windows/Web/some mobile/limited Linux apps, go with C#/VB.Net and the .Net framework.

Or go with Java. The platform absolutley sucks, but the language isn't half bad.

The CS types are saying now that all languges in the future will be dynamic. So why not learn Python or similar.