Where does a newbie start

[SteveVine]

Hi group

I've been programming in the old basics and vb6.
Now I have to move to vb.net (it sounds like part of a grand microsoft plan
to me).

I have not done any vb.net research at all yet. So, this is my starting
point.

I will want to be able to create vb.net executables for distribution to my
clients.
Ideally I want to buy vb.net software that will be good for as long as
possible.

I don't know the vb.net version or software package or good primer book I
need to buy.
Could any of you kind people be good enough to steer me in the right (and
dare I say cheapest) direction.

Regards

Steven Vine
(UK)

 

[Guest]

Steve,

Have a look at http://lab.msdn.microsoft.com/express/vbasic/default.aspx
It's Microsofts new offering for hobbyists, please don't take offence at my use of the word hobbyist but you did say the cheapest. On saying that I don't know how much it costs.

It may be a good starting point as its based on the latest .NET framework.

I haven't looked at the Express versions yet as I use the full VS.NET at work but would be interested in your opinions as I might look at it for at home as my son wants to start programming but I can’t afford to VS.NET for home.

Chris.
(also in the UK)

 

[Herfried K. Wagner [MVP]]

Steve,

I've been programming in the old basics and vb6.
Now I have to move to vb.net (it sounds like part of a grand microsoft plan
to me).

I have not done any vb.net research at all yet. So, this is my starting
point.

I will want to be able to create vb.net executables for distribution to my
clients.
Ideally I want to buy vb.net software that will be good for as long as
possible.

If you want to take a quick look at Visual Basic, I currently would
install the Express beta and play around with it:

General information about VB can be found here:

<URL:http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/>

For beginners' tasks, VB at the Movies may be helpful:

<URL:http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/atthemovies/>

The Visual Basic .NET Resource Kit contains a test version of VS.NET,
some free components and a lot of training material:

<URL:http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/vbrkit/>

For VB6 programmers, there are separate documents about the switch to
VB.NET:

VB.NET for VB Veterans
<URL:http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/e...tiontovisualbasic70forvisualbasicveterans.asp>

 

[Herfried K. Wagner [MVP]]

Addendum:

I fogot to post the link to the Express edition:

If you want to take a quick look at Visual Basic, I currently would
install the Express beta and play around with it:

<URL:http://msdn.microsoft.com/express/vbasic/>

 

[Cor Ligthert]

Hi Steve,

In addition to the others and for a cheap start without the beta's

http://samples.gotdotnet.com/quickstart/

And for the SDK development kit

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...A6-3647-4070-9F41-A333C6B9181D&displaylang=en

In that is as well the VBC (VBNet) compiler, for which you can find the
instructions on MSDN just typing those letters in the search box.

I hope this helps a little bit?

Cor

 

[Jeff Johnson [MVP: VB]]

I don't know the vb.net version or software package or good primer book I
need to buy.
Could any of you kind people be good enough to steer me in the right (and
dare I say cheapest) direction.

This isn't the cheapest suggestion, but I HIGHLY recommend Francesco
Balena's "Programming Microsoft Visual Basic .NET (Core Reference)". It is
a HUGE book and seems incredibly intimidating at first, but it's very
well-written and is good for both the beginner and intermediate person
alike. He walks you through a lot of stuff from the ground up.

There appears to be a VB.NET 2003 version now as well.

 

[SteveVine]

Hello group

Many thanks to you all for the suggestions.

I'm just about to check out the links.

Regards

Steven Vine