   [.net] Need help with simple 2D application
  Hello, I would like to write a small application that would enable my 1 year old son to harmlessly mash the keyboard and see various coloured shapes on screen in response.There are several problems I'm facing here and I would like some advice.I'm quite new to DirectX programming, and decided that the easiest way would be to create a 2D directX project with managed DirectX. I have some books on directX programming, and I know how to create, reset device etc.First problem I'm facing is which is the correct way to draw and transform simple shapes? In 2D directX tutorials there's much talk about sprites, but I need custom colored shapes and all. Could someone suggest a simple sode that would draw several triangles and move them around the screen independently?Another problem is how to prevent system keys and combinations to switch from my application. I would like to capture and stop, for example, the windows key and combinations like alt+tab, alt+space, ctrl+alt+del etc. Which is the correct way to do this?   
  GDI+ might be enough for what you want to do since it's just simple shapes and learning DirectX can be quite a chore even for simple quads with textures.You won't be able to trap ctrl-alt-del as that is a system level interrupt, but most other combinations can be captured using a low level key hook.Good news is Emma Burrows has given you a significant start on the project and may actually be enough for your needs...http://www.codeproject.com/KB/system/CSLLKeyboard.aspx;Quote:Original post by HeadkazeGDI+ might be enough for what you want to do since it's just simple shapes and learning DirectX can be quite a chore even for simple quads with textures.You won't be able to trap ctrl-alt-del as that is a system level interrupt, but most other combinations can be captured using a low level key hook.Good news is Emma Burrows has given you a significant start on the project and may actually be enough for your needs...http://www.codeproject.com/KB/system/CSLLKeyboard.aspxThanks for the link - I might not be the only one pursuing such goal :)As for hooks - I knew about them, only hoped that I may avoid using them utilizing DirectInput.In general, I also want to get to know something about directX and learn to program simple applications, so the described project seemed to me like a nice and useful way to start up. I'll look up textured quads, thanks for the tip[Edited by - Corvin on January 22, 2008 11:21:26 AM]