New to Delphi

Hi,

I'm new to Delphi, just been making some simple applications, wading into network programing aswell, but I have a few questions:

1) I use Delphi 5, I was recomended this by a Delphi programmer. Should I upgrade to 6, or 7, are they better? I hear they have many bugs, how true is this?

2) I have the basics down, but I am also interested in, for example, making applications that don't have any forms at all, so they work from the command prompt, etc. and aren't visible?

3) I can't seem to find many good resources online for Delphi Programming, does anyone know any good sites that have general delphi tutorials, etc. or any good books that I should get?

Thanks, Nick

delphi 7 has been mostly bug free for me, and would recommend it. delphi.about.com is good for tutorials and to make a form hidden, type application.ShowMainForm := false;

I used Delphi for a year and now is using Borland C++ exclusively. Pointers are ugly in Delphi. C++ provides VCL and STL.

You may want to install JEDI-VCL. This package provides additional code libraries and visual controls. Indy is also very interesting package.

A good way of learning is to get MSDN and experiment.