How can I get started, are certificate programs good? Thanks!
I may be a little bit late with my answer, my apologies, but I feel like I have to post it.
About getting started, once you have chosen the platform that you want (C#, Java, C++...) there is a lot of courses and tutorial all for free.
A few weeks ago I left a link to the MicroSoft Virtual Academy in which people can learn about MS technologies (C#, vb.net, Azure...) totally but, IMHO, is more interesting the fact that you're talking about certifications.
Well, in many cases the certificate programs helps to improve the knowledge about a platform or technology, but the reason is because not all of them are free and the money you spend in them are worth it... from the most part...
Are the certifications useful? Well, recently someone twitted me the answer to that question is sometimes.
Well, why sometimes? Companies relies more in the experience working with a concrete platform/technology than in certificates, but, when a few people presents the same CV the certifications can be very useful to show up that you've spent your time learning specifically about a platform and in some situations that can be helpful if you're looking for a job.