Having the latest version isn't always the best alternative. Focus on learning the basics which are the same in an older version. Then, when you need to, upgrade to whatever is needed. The older version has been tested by more people and used in more ways which often leads to more stable code with the updates that have been released. New versions include new functionality that's not very well tested.

Personally, I view Perl as the least inviting option to do anything. Python is still pretty unknown to me and Ruby is just something I've read about.

I stick to C and some shell scripting when needed. Had there been an easy way to get Java going on the device, I might use that too.

But, there are more options than those: C++, LISP, LUA and some more obscure ones too. Pick the right tool for the problem and you'll be fine.