Frequently Asked Questions
Visual Studio .NET

Revision - 1.0

Q:  What is Visual Studio .NET?
A:  Microsoft says "Visual Studio .NET is the comprehensive development tool for rapidly building and integrating XML Web services and applications. Visual Studio .NET offers you a highly productive environment in which to develop a broad range of applications that run on the new Microsoft .NET platform. Using the secure and high-performance Microsoft .NET Framework run-time environment, Visual Studio .NET gives you powerful tools for designing, building, testing, and deploying XML Web services and applications as well as sharing best practices and guidelines in a team environment. "

Q:  What is the Visual Studio .NET website?
A:  http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/

Q:  What day did it launch?
A:  Wednesday, February 13, 2002.

 Q:  How many versions are there?
A:  Three. Visual Studio .NET Professional, Enterprise Architect and Enterprise Developer.

Q: What is the latest version of Visual Studio .NET?
A: Visual Studio .NET 2003 is, as it has recently been released.  If you upgrade to the same class (i.e., Professional, Enterprise Architect, etc.), you are entitled to an upgrade offer where you can receive the 2003 edition for only $30.

Q:  Can you tell me about the three versions?
A: 

• Visual Studio .NET Enterprise Architect (VSEA) builds on the power of Visual Studio .NET Enterprise Developer by including additional capabilities for designing, specifying, and communicating application architecture and functionality. It enables software architects and senior developers to provide architectural guidance and share best practices across the development team.
   

• With Visual Studio .NET Enterprise Developer, developers can securely version and share their source code, share best practices, target scalable .NET Enterprise Servers, choose from a wide range of third-party tools and technologies, and easily tune the performance of their Web applications and Web Services through the extensive performance-testing tools in Visual Studio .NET.
   
• Visual Studio .NET enables developers to rapidly build next-generation Internet applications that target any device and integrate with any platform. By providing the most modern and feature-rich development environment, Visual Studio .NET gives developers the tools for integrating solutions across operating systems and languages. With Visual Studio .NET, developers can easily convert existing business logic into reusable XML Web services, encapsulating processes and making them available to applications on any platform. Developers can easily incorporate any number of XML Web services that are cataloged and available in many independent Universal Description, Discovery, and Integration (UDDI) directories, providing a strong foundation of services and business logic for applications.

Q:  Where can I download Visual Studio .NET currently?
A:  On MSDN, but you have to be a member.

Q:  What can I download from MSDN?
A:  ISO images, CD setup and the full setup of each version.

Q:  Does Visual Studio have product activation?
A:  No, the traditional method is used.

Q:  Is there a launch trailer?
A:  Yes. 300 kBps

Q:  What are the prices?
A:  Enterprise Architect: $2,499 Full/$1,799 Upgrade. Enterprise Developer: $1,799 Full/$1,079 Upgrade. Professional: $1,079 Full/$549 Upgrade. Individual products will be available for $109 each.

Q:  Are there any competitive upgrades?
A:  No.

 Q:  Any rebates?
A:  $300 Rebate on version upgrades.

Q: What are the system requirements?
A:

• Windows NT/XP/2000

• 433 MHz processor or higher.

• Minimum 64 MB of Ram

• CD-Rom

• 2.5-3.5 GB on Installation Drive, Depending on Version plus 500 MB on system drive

Q:  Do the RAM requirements vary by operating system?
A: Yes.

• Windows® XP Professional: 160 megabytes (MB) of RAM

• Windows® 2000 Professional: 96 MB of RAM

• Windows 2000 Server: 192 MB of RAM

• Windows NT 4.0 Workstation: 64 MB of RAM

• Windows NT 4.0 Server: 160 MB of RAM

Q:  Is Windows 98/SE/Me supported?
A:  No. However code execution will be supported.

Q:  How about Windows 95?
A:  Haaaahaa.

Q:  Can I download a trial version?
A:  You can either order a CD, or you can experience it over the internet.  Click here for more details.

Q:  Can I upgrade from VS 6.0.
A:  Yes, an upgrade wizard is included.

Q:  Can I keep both versions on my computer?
A:  Yes, you can do that too.

Q:  Will I be able to purchase versions such as Visual Basic .NET, Visual C# .Net, etc. separately without having to purchase the full version?
A:  Yes, for an individual price of $109.

Q:  Can I register Visual Studio .NET online?
A:  Yes. http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/register/vsnet.asp

Q:  Where can I get information on previous versions of Visual Studio .NET, including past betas?
A:  http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/prodinfo/previous/default.asp

Q:  What is the Visual Studio .NET Integration Program?
A:  "The Visual Studio .NET Integration Program (VSIP) is a license program that provides the opportunity to deeply integrate with and take advantage of Visual Studio .NET, the industry's leading development tool. Visual Studio .NET Integration Program partners include tool vendors, language vendors, independent software vendors (ISVs), academics, and researchers."

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