Learning to use Microsoft Visual C++

[Ion Zone]

Thank you everyone!

This is basicly just a mock-up made using C++, but I intend to build on it as I learn more. Unfortunately, the code I'm using is quite clunky and I'm having some trouble. Here's a screenshot!




First and worst - I don't seem to be able to maximise the program (Quests got cut off :P ), if I press maximise it only covers about a third of the screen. :P This is a real pain as it means zero immersion. >.<

Also to turn the key letters red, I had to do this:

#include <iostream>
#include <string>
#include <windows.h>

		SetConsoleTextAttribute(GetStdHandle(STD_OUTPUT_HANDLE), 4);
	cout << "(I) ";
		SetConsoleTextAttribute(GetStdHandle(STD_OUTPUT_HANDLE), 15);
	cout << "Inventory - "; 
		SetConsoleTextAttribute(GetStdHandle(STD_OUTPUT_HANDLE), 4);
	cout << "(M) ";
		SetConsoleTextAttribute(GetStdHandle(STD_OUTPUT_HANDLE), 15);
	cout << "Cast Magic - "; 
		SetConsoleTextAttribute(GetStdHandle(STD_OUTPUT_HANDLE), 4);
	cout << "(A) ";
		SetConsoleTextAttribute(GetStdHandle(STD_OUTPUT_HANDLE), 15);
	cout << "Actions - ";
		SetConsoleTextAttribute(GetStdHandle(STD_OUTPUT_HANDLE), 4);
	cout << "(C) "; 
		SetConsoleTextAttribute(GetStdHandle(STD_OUTPUT_HANDLE), 15);
	cout << "Char - "; //cout << Name << -; Character's name inserted with string
		SetConsoleTextAttribute(GetStdHandle(STD_OUTPUT_HANDLE), 4);
	cout << "(E) "; 
		SetConsoleTextAttribute(GetStdHandle(STD_OUTPUT_HANDLE), 15);
	cout << "Equipment - "; 
		SetConsoleTextAttribute(GetStdHandle(STD_OUTPUT_HANDLE), 4);
	cout << "(Q) ";
		SetConsoleTextAttribute(GetStdHandle(STD_OUTPUT_HANDLE), 15);
	cout << "Quest\n\n";

Which is a pest!

Is there any way to make this a 'standard' piece of code that I can insert like a string? It would be really handy if I could just tack it on with one line of code instead of pasting that whole chunk every time I describe something. Would make things ten times easer! Though if anyone knows a way of changing text colour (can you change font size and style? Times Roman would be easier on the eye.) in the middle of a line that would be just as helpful. Also, is there an include I can do to get symbols like &#163;, €, and (especially) &#165; (yen), to show up (I want to use it as a currency counter)?