Need a Programmer's Advise

Hello there,

I want to learn how to program and create Rich Internet Applications that act as desktop applications. I started reading Adobe AIR articles and think it might be the best thing to learn.

Is there a microsoft competitor? If yes, which is the easiest to learn with shortest learning curve? I think the msft alternative is silverlight or WPF
I was also surprised that kirupa.com didn’t have AIR tutorials?

Can someone please give me some advise on this matter and enlighten me on this subject…

Appreciate it, Thanks :stare: