Assembly?

For windows Assembly programming, do all assembly language programs use the same language?

All the instructions are the same, but depending on which assembler (like a compiler but for asm) you use, you have to create the program structure differently.

How compatible will programs written in NASM (just downloaded) be with programs written in Borland TASM which will be included in my college course this year?

I think it's in the NASM docs. BTW - I use it along with VAL and I think that's about as good as it needs to be. I think it's much better than TASM, having tried both. In your college course, why not just use NASM? The principles are the same.

Unfortunately, the course teaches TASM. I want to get a head start, but can't afford to download TASM.

what do you mean afford to download it?
if you mean $$$ then.....
*cough* <ahem> I can kind of *cough* help you out with that
if you email me.....