Hi, I was asked by a friend to make a timer app for his small internet cafe.

He wants to have timers on each client PCs. The timers indicate how much time has been spent by the customer.

On the PC that he uses, there's another program that has the overview of all the timers and there's a button for each client PCs that allows him to blacken out the screen. It's not automatic hence the button.

The problem is I haven't done any desktop apps before so that's why I'm asking you guys (the awesome people at SO) for suggestions/advice on what language/tool to use.

A little info about me:

• I did Java but haven't tried Swing though. I know a bit about Python and Ruby too.

• I don't mind learning new languages as long as I get to finish or get a prototype up and running. He doesn't mind if I could show him a prototype, it's actually for me. It gives me satisfaction to see I'm progressing.

• I'm not planning on asking him to pay me for doing this. Whatever he gives me is fine.

P.S. He's using Windows XP