Visual C++ is a Microsoft version of C++ compiler used to develop Windows applications. C++ is in general a programming language and you need a compiler like Dev C++, Turbo C++, Visual C++ to convert C++ scripts to machine executable programs.
'Visual' is a brand used my Microsoft for its 'Visual' range of products and has nothing to do with GUI or effects. Hope this helps.
If you are starting out on C++ you can choose any of these compliers as it suits you. They have slightly different features but all ought to work the same way.