C++ is not more complex then C imho. However, because it is an object-orientated programming language, it is definitely allot more abstract and harder to grasp because of it. Still though, if you try the basic of C first, C++ will be a piece of cake because some possibilities in C look quite alike objects in C++ (structs anyone?)

As for which language will fade out, neither of them I believe. C is being used as the standard language for Unix and Unix-like operating systems and C++ is more or less a "standard" language used for various reasons/applications. I don't know about speed differences among C and C++, but both are definitely faster then Java, because Java is basically a souped up scripting language instead of a programming language.

As for compilers, which can be tricky to find, look around on the net for Borland C++ Builder version 3.1. It's good, easy and not all that complicated. DOS based though, so be prepared to work in a 25x40 res with 32 diff colours if you want to use it. It's quite easy to use, does the job, even though it is not so much very legal to find and download.