Microsoft has released free Visual Studio express editions for anyone to download and use.
http://www.microsoft.com/express/What are the Visual Studio Express Editions?
The Visual Studio Express Editions are an expansion of the Visual Studio and SQL Server product line to include fun, simple and easy-to-learn tools for non-professional developers like hobbyists, students and novice developers who want to build dynamic Windows applications, Web sites, and Web services. The Express products consist of:
* Visual Basic 2008 Express Edition - Productivity that is ideal for first time or casual Windows programming
* Visual C# 2008 Express Edition ? A great combination of power and productivity for the Windows developer
* Visual C++ 2008 Express Edition ? Horsepower with a finer degree of control than other Express Editions
* Visual Web Developer 2008 Express Edition ? An easy-to-use environment for dynamic Web application development
* SQL Server 2005 Express and SQL Server Compact Edition ? A powerful and easy-to-use set of databases to complement each Express Edition
