>>>Do you think it's better/quicker/easier to learn from scratch (think "Hello World" here) or work with an existing project/app?
>>
>> C++ or C#?
>>
>>If the later, there is a great WROX book C# for NET 3.0 I'm holding from the local library. I've read through first ~20 chapters, but it has a lot more.
>
>That wasn't my question. I have the resources, just want to know the best way to proceed.

I would think jumping into existing good written project can help more (in addition to reading the books, of course).

At least for me it usually works this way, but every case is different.