What Version to buy?

[artstar]

Not for sure where to ask this?
I have VB.Net(2008) Express. This is the FREE version from Microsoft, but I want to get the Professional Version. Where and how do I purchase this or do I have to purchase the whole suite.

Thanks

[RhinoBull]

I think it only comes as a package (Visual Studio) - you can buy it directly from MS (http://store.microsoft.com/microsoft/design-developer/category/6?WT.mc_id=mscomhp_storenav_design) but there plenty of other retailers (http://www.softwaremedia.com/category/2432.html).
I would get VS 2008 Pro with MSDN but what you select depends on your budget.

[NickThissen]

I doubt you will even consider buying the professional edition yourself, it is just way to expensive for any freelance developer / enthusiast. If you're not a freelance developer / enthusiast, then you are probably working for some company, and it seems really weird to me if you had to buy your own software to do your job...

If you are a student on the other hand, you may be able to get it completely free, like me, using Dreamspark (https://www.dreamspark.com/default.aspx).

[RhinoBull]

Interesting opinion... :rolleyes:

[dkerry]

If you are a student on the other hand, you may be able to get it completely free, like me, using Dreamspark (https://www.dreamspark.com/default.aspx).

This is a great option. I am already a member of DreamSpark, and I am enjoying Microsoft development tools from this resource for several months already.

Another option you may consider is MSDN-AA. If you attend a college/university, you may check with the IT department or the administration office if the college/university has an agreement with Microsoft to provide some Microsoft software products at no cost for students at that specific educational center.