Hi,
I'm just like you.  I'm 16, and have started C/C++ programming since NOV.
'94 under DOS.  I then somehow found out about EMX/GCC, and decided to try
it, sometimes in March/April (I tried it before, but couldn't get it
working).  I didn't know it could make OS/2 PM programs, but I wanted it
anyways, since it was FREE!  At first, I downloaded all the source code for
the compiler,debugger,assembler,etc., which was pretty stupid (it was like
25mb - only the .ZIPs).  Then, someone told me to use the right files, and
gave me the list.
I installed those files by doing UNZIP *.ZIP (the unzipper automatically
uses the -d switch).  I read the document, had minor troubles, but was on
my way compiling example programs.  I had no problems with PM, but a few of
the OS/2 windowed graphics weren't compiling.  I don't mind.  Now, I'm
sorta working on 3 programs, going back and forth.  All are PM, and I have
help from the following sources (almost all are FREE!)

Guidelines : Dialog editor (base version is free. See documentations for info.)
Project Manager : Let's you make projects for compiling
EDM/2 : I have about 20 .INF versions.  These are online magazines in .INF 
       format, and teach you many aspects of OS/2 programming (PM, VIO,
etc.)
RED BOOK : Just like EDM/2, but for beginners to advanced.  Very informative!
Example Sources :  Any examples I find on bbses or anywhere else.
People on BBSes : There when you need them!
EMX/GCC : Don't forget this!
OS/2 BOOKS : Mainly programming.  EDM/2 recommends some good one!
Internet : Don't know, 'cause I don't have access.  Should have lots of 
           information!  

These are all I use for my programs.  You may find more.  I wanted to buy
Watcom, but decided to wait after I got EMX/GCC working.  If you are a
beginner (or advanced), use EMX/GCC.  It's free (and as someone said to me
when I complained about EMX/GCC "Free does not mean cheap!"). 
When you have the dough, you can move up then!

Good LUCK!

--- Maximus/2 3.00