OK, say I have a device that I connect to over ethernet. I use port 10001, and the device accepts strings of ascii text. To be more specific, I'm trying to control one of these to control, say, a jacuzzi. I need to be able to read things like water level, temp, jets status, etc.

If I want to send the command strings over the wire directly without using hyperterminal, hwo do I go about this? I have programmed before, but it's been about 15 years. Is there a good language that I should use? I'm thinking something along the lines of VB since that's the easiest for me to be able to create a small app without having to REALLY understand the underworkings of the OS. A friend asked me to help on this project, and while the hardware seems to be exactly what I need, I have NO idea how to interface it with the software.

Any hints/pointers would be GREATLY appreciated as the project itself would be quite interesting.