[Tutorial] 1# - Downloading Visual Basic development tool

Visual Studio 2008 Express Editions are free development tools.
Register your product within 30 days from installation.

Microsoft Visual Studio Express is a set of freeware[1] integrated development environments (IDE) developed by Microsoft that are lightweight versions of the Microsoft Visual Studio product line. The idea of express editions, according to Microsoft, is to provide streamlined, easy-to-use and easy-to-learn IDEs for users other than professional software developers, such as hobbyists and students. The final versions were released on November 19, 2007 and the service pack 1 versions were released on August 11, 2008. In line with popular demand since the Visual Studio 2005 Express Editions,[2] these editions will always remain free-of-charge. Visual Studio 2008 Express Editions require Windows XP or a later Windows version; Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 and Windows 9x are no longer supported. Visual Studio 2005 Express Editions can be installed on Windows 2000 SP4. As of late April 2009, Microsoft has discontinued all previous versions of Visual Studio Express, including 2005. It is no longer possible to obtain these previous versions from the Microsoft website.