I have to say, if you want to get into programming seriously DO NOT start with Python or BASIC. Why? Because their syntax is very different to the languages (such as C) used for more mainstream purposes. If start with Python or BASIC your going to have a much harder time learning C, which is what most programs are written in. Also things like Java and PHP use a syntax that's very C likeM
So I very strongly advise, speaking as somebody who learn't BASIC and regretted it frankly, don't learn BASIC unless that's all you intend to ever use. C will, PHP or Java will be a lot better places to start. C will be the most difficult but also the most useful.
Jamie