Compiling

Can I compile a vb.net program into a native code exe like a vb6 compiled app.
If so, can this vb.net exe run on a windows computer that doesn't have the .net framework installed (most of myy customers!)
Thanks.

yes you can use ngen.exe to compile to native code, but no you still need the .NET framework.

Is this Native Code app created by ngen.exe safe to distribute or are decompilers going to easily crack it. I would like to upgrade my VB6 apps and continue to sell them to my customers without having to worry about decompilation. Also, how do I get my customers (who download my apps off my site ) to install the .net framework. Painlessly.

I'm not convinced about using VB.net if I'm going to lose customers because they don't want to install the.net framework!!!

But, on the other hand, I heard that VB6 will only be supported for a couple more years.

Do I start to look for decompile safe (relatively), non-.net framework dependant languages like Delphi 7 which still permits me to create a non-.net dependant app, is safe from decompilation and Delphi 7 also gives me the option of creating .net apps???

Thanks

The .Net framework is needed for your apps. There is no getting around it. If your worried about loosing your customers because they would have to install a 21 meg file, well you got a lot of work on your hands. Be sure to show them that you can turn out apps faster because of it, and show them that you can add more features because of it. It might be a hard sell, but if you really like .Net, your passion will be easily seen by your customers, and they will follow along with you.

Now as far as decompilers...yes, there is a way to decompile apps written in .Net. This is the same thing Java users have had to deal with also. This led to an obfusicator (spell?). This basically makes your code virtually unreadable. Check this link for a start on learning about this:
http://www.remotesoft.com/salamander/obfuscator.html