VB – Bringing .NET Programming To You
How do I get started with VB.NET?
Microsoft strongly suggests that you get started by buying Visual Studio.NET, Microsoft's new, integrated development environment. This is really the best choice for anyone who is really serious about learning and using VB.NET. Not only do you get VB.NET 'in the box', but you also get all the extra goodies like C++ and C# along with XML support, mobile wireless support (WML, HTML 3.2, and cHTML), and a new shared web page editor. The only problem is that Microsoft is actually charging what all this great software is worth, so it's a serious decision, especially if you're paying for it yourself.
Another way, however, is buy just Visual Basic .NET. This is available for about a hundred dollars. But to save a few dollars more, consider buying Microsoft's Visual Basic .NET Deluxe Learning Edition. This book and software combination from Microsoft Press includes the complete VB.NET Standard at a slightly lower price and you get a little more for your money. It's a full four CDs and it includes all required Windows updates. Plus, you get a fifth CD full of sample code. About the only thing you don't get is the ability to create class libraries. But make sure you have at least a 450 MHz P-II with a couple gigs free hard space, and 128 MB RAM, or 192 MB if you're running Windows XP.
