It depends on what programming language you choose to start with. Are you starting with C? C++? Objective C? PHP? Java? It matters. In order to be successful with any of these languages, you really need the right setup. The right IDE works wonders.
You can start seeing results in your programming right from the start if you choose the right development environment. You’ll have a much easier time programming in Ruby if you are using a Mac than if you are using a Windows machine. That’s just the way it is. There is a lot more setup involved if you want to run Ruby on a Windows machine. But if you want to program in a Microsoft programming language such as C# or .NET, then you will have a much easier time on a Windows machine.
Most people won’t see big results in their programming until they’ve had a lot of experience using the IDE for their language of choice. But hard work will pay off and if you program consistently week in and week out you will definitely see results!
