Quickest way to get make and unix C++ code working on windows

This should come as no surprise:

Cygwin http://www.cygwin.com/

Now all you need is information about what packages you need to select. Leave everything as default and simply expand Devel and check the following:

• gcc-g++: C++ Compiler 
• gdb: The GNU Debugger
• make: The GNU Version of 'make' utility

And leave the rest to default. Now you will have a working version of CYGWIN readdy to compile and debug C++ code meant for unix running on windows. 

Further information : http://cs.calvin.edu/curriculum/cs/112/resources/installingEclipse/cygwin/

Enjoy!