where do i start ?

[ruwach]

ok, here is what i want to do.
i need to build a database application.
i also need this program to get information from a serial connection (RS 232)
the info that comes in is going to be from a pic chip.

i will be gathering info from this module connected to the computer by RS 232, data will be comming in every minute or so. and the program will be to manipulate this data as it comes in.

so, where do i start ? there are no current apps that do this kind of thing . i am the only employee of the company i work for. but i am going to develop this. there isnt a major rush on the project and it gives me the excuse to learn to write programs. So what i need to know is.......

where does a total newbie ( only some BASIC experience )
go to learn simple to complex programming, manipulating a database, and especially getting data from a device connected to a serial port. ?

i have looked at python
C++ (looks intimidating) but i have QT designer (may make it easier ?)
Glade (can it work with python ? )

i dunno - you guys with some experience, gimme a leg up, point me in the easiest dirrection to start out with..that will not take me two years to be proficient with.

thanks