Microsoft offers Visual Studio Express free

for one year

[bill]

Check out the Visual Studio Express site on MSDN [msdn.microsoft.com] if you'd like a free version that's good for one year.

The Visual Studio Express products include various versions of Visual Basic 2005, Visual C# 2005, Visual C++ 2005, Visual J# 2005, and Visual Web Developer 2005. SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, which replaces the Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine (MSDE), will remain free. The Express Editions are designed for individual developers creating Windows applications, Web sites, Web applications, and Web services.

[Lord Majestic]

The version is actually good for a long time, but the free promotion is good for a year (bet they will extend it though).

[a1call]

Hi bill,
Thanks for the heads up.

[bill]

I haven't had time to get a copy but would be interested to hear from anyone who has. Is this a worthwhile package for the web hobbyist?

I read that pricing would return to the $49 level after the free promotional trial was up.