1. don't use C/C++ 
2. If you really really need to, I always found it beneficial to learn a bit of assembly (esp. memory operations / memory model as seen from a usermode application), and look at
A question for those with experience: What are some sources for learning these matters, especially assembly? What projects are suitable for immersion and what is the difference between assembly language

2. If you really really need to, I always found it beneficial to learn a bit of assembly (esp. memory operations / memory model as seen from a usermode application), and look at
A question for those with experience: What are some sources for learning these matters, especially assembly? What projects are suitable for immersion and what is the difference between assembly language