Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition Programming for the Absolute Beginner 2006

The Microsoft Developer Network is a body of online and offline articles, services, and information. It is designed to aid developers in writing applications using Microsoft products and technologies. The service is quite expensive and includes software and even technical support. However, one of the most useful aspects of the Microsoft Developer Network, the Microsoft Developer Network Library, is absolutely free.

In the MSDN Library are thousands of articles spread over dozens of interconnecting Web sites. The result is an immense storehouse of information that includes a knowledgebase of common issues and questions and documentation on every feature of the .NET Framework.

To access the Web site, open your browser and navigate to http://www.msdn.microsoft.com. The home page contains links to different technologies. The most useful feature, however, is Search. You can search magazine articles, theoretical and technical information related to every Microsoft technology, and helps and hints.

Because the service is so vast, one of the downsides is that it can be easy to get lost. The search facility is not as discriminatory as it needs to be. (I recommend using Google to search the site, because you'll have more options.) Because of this, I've provided a number of jumping-off points that you might find useful:

• http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp. This is the home page of the MSDN Library. It can be helpful for exploring Visual C++ and NET's many features. Click the .NET Development option in the left frame to start your exploration of the technology.

• http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/cpqstart/html/cpsmpwindowsformsquickstart.asp. This is an excellent starter page on learning how to use forms in Windows applications. It is designed to acquaint you with how the technology works and how it relates to your programs.

• http://msdn.microsoft.com/visualc/using/multimedia/newc/default.aspx. This page links to a superb Webcast series that gives a broad overview of Visual C++ and .NET and is especially practical for users of previous versions of Visual C++ and .NET because it quickly familiarizes you with the changes in the technology.

• http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnvs05/html/VSO5Cplus.asp. This page is a technical article outlining how Visual C++ fits into the .NET Framework.

These are but a small handful of the possible resources available. The MSDN Library is growing and changing, so you're sure to find even more in the months ahead.