I am glad to have witnessed someone like you who's so generous of their time, and knowledge. Sir, thank you.
OS - Windows. Saving for a Macbook (too expensive).
I am already on Udacity's Intro to Computer Science and Python is used to teach this course. Plus going through Learn Python the Hardway by Zed Shaw. Taking a Ruby course on Udemy.
IDE - I use Sublime Text for front-end development lessons (team treehouse, udemy), and Cloud9 for the Ruby course I am taking through Udemy.
Thank for your feedback. I have two ideas in mind. One is about a process I would like to streamline using technology at my current job, and the other one deals with ESL and learning a new language. Many of the ESL or learn a language methods out there are so boring, and I think I have a way to make it less boring and actually learn something. I had this problem when I wanted to learn French. You can sit there and repeat all the French words until the cows come home, but it will be no use to you when you want to converse in real life situations. The idea is about learning a new language in a way that is engaging, not learning from a CD and tucked away in your bedroom.
This is not in any way meant to sound snarky, but I don't live under a rock. Hacker News will come to you or you will go to it when you question the trajectory of your life.