Of course another option is to download the .NET SDK from MSDN. This includes command line compilers and resources for the .NET framework for free. The draw back is that you do not get the nice fluffy interface and form designers. Sharp Develop will allow you to compile VB.NET applications and has some kind of form designer, I have not seen a recent build but previous ones have been quite good.
Makes you wonder what Microsoft are charging a high amount for when you go for visual studio. Another option that is available in the UK so I imagine it is in the states too is that you can buy just the VB version of visual studio which costs about �70 - not sure what it lacks from the full visual studio but might be an option! Personally I use the SDK and Sharp develop which suits my needs for small tinkering and development - perhaps when I am ready to move on to greater development I will consider something a bit more suitable (such as VS). Colin Henderson GI Consultant Ordnance Survey Tel: +44 (0)2380 792034 Mob: +44 (0)771 972307 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk -----Original Message----- From: Bill Thoen [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 04 February 2004 00:12 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: MI-L What's the best way to get Visual Studio .NET? [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Isn't the bigger issue why is MapInfo tying its technology (and by default > its user base) to a single vendor operating system? Because the open source market is still a little monkey compared to the 500 pound gorilla known as Microsoft would be my guess. > If MapInfo are serious about offering an enterprise strength solution why > are they forcing users to select fundamental operation and development > environments that are not necessarily in keeping with enterprises > standards. I bet if you polled most "enterprise" size corporations you would discover that it's still a solid Microsoft world in those circles. But I keep my eyes on the growing open source movement. THere's things happening there that could change the world suddenly one day... or maybe change just my world, which is the same thing from my POV! Like, what if JUMP (http://www.vividsolutions.com/jump/main.htm) evolves into a custumizable GIS as good as MapInfo? - Bill Thoen --------------------------------------------------------------------- List hosting provided by Directions Magazine | www.directionsmag.com | To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message number: 10240 This email and any attachments have been virus checked upon receipt at Ordnance Survey and are free of all known viruses. If you have received this email in error, please delete it immediately and notify the sender. This email may contain confidential information and if you are not the intended recipient, you must not copy, distribute or rely on it. As email is not a 100% secure communications medium, you accept that there are risks in communicating by email by doing so. We advise you to check that emails and attachments are virus-free before opening them. No contracts can be entered into on our behalf by email. Opinions expressed in this email are not necessarily endorsed by us unless otherwise specifically stated. We reserve the right to read and monitor any email or attachment entering or leaving our systems without prior notice. Ordnance Survey Romsey Road Southampton SO16 4GU Tel: 023 8079 2000 http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk --------------------------------------------------------------------- List hosting provided by Directions Magazine | www.directionsmag.com | To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message number: 10265
