development utilities

I've seen people mention how cost effective it can be to purchase VC++.NET or VC#.NET Standard and then upgrade to MSDN Professional. This is very true. What I had never seen was someone outline what actually comes in the box. For the record here's what will show up:
A full working (non-demo) copy of Visual Studio.NET 2003

MSDN Library documentation (this came with 2003 Standard products, but not 2002)

All of this will install on a simple XP Home edition computer (but you cannot debug or build web services).

Here's what you will need to do to get the rest of your software:

There is a small card in your box with a subscription activation ID number. You can return it filled out or call an 800 number, or go online and fill it out. Microsoft reports that within 7-10 days you will actually get your first FULL box of promised software.

I am very happy, and VS.NET does provide signifigant (but not critical) upgrades to the IDE of even the most recent C# or C++ Standard product. If you really want every meaningful tool at your disposal you want MSDN Professional.

Also don't forget that better than simply buying VS.NET you get all OS releases (which you will need for serious testing), and two telephone tech incidents (yeah, help from MS).

Microsoft has offered MSDN subscriptions for some time now, and as most who might read this review already know, they're offered in a number of levels. For my money, MSDN Professional offers the best balance of functionality and cost. And the Upgrade version is a particularly good deal.

I started out with a copy of Microsoft Visual Basic .NET Standard Edition -- mid-2003 cost, around $$$. Owning this inexpensive tool not only provides an excellent introduction to Visual Basic and .NET technology, but it's your ticket to buy into MSDN with an Upgrade version, at substantial savings over the non-Upgrade version.

Whether Upgrade or non-Upgrade, you get the same goods. It starts with a whole pile of (development licensed) software, making it easy to set-up an entire development testing lab. And you also get Microsoft's suite of languages in the form of Visual Studio .NET, opening the door to any type of (Microsoft platform) development you'll ever want to consider... Desktop apps, web apps, Pocket PC apps... You name it.

Also key is MSDN content. You can access it online, and with this (or any other) MSDN Subscription, you have it all right on your desktop at any time, wherever you are. Thousands of useful articles, tips, techniques, and regular ol' documentation.

Of course, you also get the benefit of regular mailings of CDs or DVDs (your choice) with updates on software, SDKs, tools and more.

Note that -- as with all MSDN packages -- you're basically getting an empty box. Once received, you have to register the product, which triggers the fulfillment of the rest which are sent by mail. This requires roughly a couple of weeks. But soon enough you get a nice, big box of goodies. Piles of CDs in handy sleeves, a couple of different options for carting them around with you (a hard plastic master case, and a small nylon carrier for those on the go), among other things.

If you belong to the open source / Linux / Java universe, you wouldn't consider this tool to start with (and it would do you no good). But if you develop for the Microsoft platform -- or want to start -- there's no better value, and no better tools for the purpose.

Very useful for any programmer who uses windows.