The 'C'/C++ APIs are something to behold. More or less awful. There is a rich set of choices out there. This being said, there are lots of choices in actual ap

The 'C'/C++ APIs are something to behold. More or less awful. There is a rich set of choices out there. This being said, there are lots of choices in actual applications that may or may not be available on other platforms in the same way. Ideally, I'd run a Linux host and Windows guest. For a long list of reasons, it's the other way 'round. Also, don't embrace the upgrade death march with Windows and life gets better. Keep full-install media of The One That Works.