COBOL and Visual Basic on .NET: A Guide for the Reformed Mainframe Programmer

The following list presents the technical requirements for working through the examples and code listings in this book:

• Windows XP Professional operating system. I used Windows XP Professional during the sample application development and when capturing the screen shots. Although you can use Windows 2000 (Professional or Server) for .NET development, I recommend using Windows XP Professional (or newer ) for your .NET development.

• Microsoft .NET Framework v.1.0 or v.1.1.

• Microsoft Visual Studio .NET v.1.0 or v.1.1.

• Fujitsu NetCOBOL for .NET v.1.1.

• Enterprise Services/COM+ v.1.5. This version of COM+ is bundled with Windows XP and is expected to be bundled with Windows .NET Server. If you use Windows 2000, and therefore COM+ v.1.0, you will notice some feature differences. This is one of several good reasons for doing your .NET development on Windows XP or newer operating systems.

• Internet Information Services (IIS) v.5 or greater. This is bundled with Windows 2000 and Windows XP Professional and greater. You will need to install IIS manually from your Windows installation source. It is not typically installed by default.

• Microsoft Message Queuing (MSMQ). This is bundled with Windows 2000 and Windows XP Professional and greater. You will need to install MSMQ manually from your Windows installation source. It is not typically installed by default.

• SQL Server 2000 (with a current Service Pack). The sample applications in this book that involve database access use Microsoft's database product, SQL Server 2000. With minimal changes, you can use other relational databases (e.g., Oracle).

• Internet Explorer v.6 or greater. This browser is installed and upgraded as part of your full .NET installation. You may choose to use other browsers. I used Internet Explorer exclusively throughout this book.

• Crystal Decisions's Crystal Reports v.8.5 or greater. A fully functional version of this software product is bundled with your full .NET installation. You will be required to complete a free online registration the first time you use it.