I am thinking of a career in space, and since the U.S. basically works hand-in-hand with Russia in space, I am considering learning some Russian. Rosetta Stone (the computer program) sounded like a really good way to learn, but then I found out that it costs 9 just for the 'Level 1' lessons! Is it worth it? Or is there another computer program that is better (and costs a lot less!)?

I am half Russian and I have many Russian friends so I would love to learn it.

Is a teacher good?
A book?
A computer program?

Is it a hard language to learn?
No I'm serious,

I would like to speak and write in
russian.

I would love to get very good at it too.
Thank you everyone!

I am looking to know if I need a specific computer program to write Russian on the computer. I have a slandered American keyboard. Can XP change the language settings? If so how would I do this?