All--

FYI, this is a follow-up to a message that I received a while back, regarding how to get a FREE copy VS.NET 2005 Standard.

To recap, to get your free copy, just go to this site...

http://www.learn2asp.net/

...and then watch 3 webcast videos and then wait about 4-6 weeks for a package in the mail.

That's it.

I did it and it worked.

I am pleased to report that I did, in fact, receive my FREE copy of VS.NET 2005 Standard yesterday via rmail.

Yea!!!

I was a bit skeptical, given that more than once I have sent away for things like the "manufacturer's rebate by mail" only to have my hopes flushed down a black hole.

But, this one really paid-off. I got the VS.NET 2005 Standard CDs, a free book from MS Press, the VS.NET 2005 MSDN CDs, a license key, a bonus Security Resources CD, and a few other goodies.

Very nice.

If you are wondering, like I was, about the difference between the "Standard Edition" and the other editions, then just look at this page...

http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/products/compare/

...and, maybe, you will conclude (like me) that unless you are on a team of developers working in a business-project-setting, the Standard Edition has a more-than-sufficient set of features.

Also, the VS.NET 2005 Standard Edition is quite a bit better than the Express Editions, (and that is saying a lot because the Express Editions are, actually, quite good).

Furthermore, the webcasts are actually pretty darn excellent!!!

Good news all around.

I just thought that I would let you know.

(BTW, there is a deadline on the offer.)

Thank you.

--Mark Kamoski

Is this for real

I'll check it out, just hope it's not tied to US customers only.

Thanks.

Walaa wrote:

Is this for real

I'll check it out, just hope it's not tied to US customers only.

Thanks.

I was skeptical too, as always.

It is "for real".

It is legitimate.

They send real CDs, with real MS Seal Of Authenticity, and so on.

I am not sure if it is only for US customers or not. Sorry.

HTH.

Thank you.

--Mark Kamoski

Unfortunatly, it is for US residents only, they were offering it to Canadian residents as well but they even stopped it due to huge demands as they explain.

The funny thing is even if you selected "I don't want the offer ...option" they send you to the "Account setup page" and the country field is limited to either US or Canada.

Walaa wrote:

Unfortunatly, it is for US residents only, they were offering it to Canadian residents as well but they even stopped it due to huge demands as they explain.

The funny thing is even if you selected "I don't want the offer ...option" they send you to the "Account setup page" and the country field is limited to either US or Canada.

Ug. I am sorry to hear that.

Oh well.

FWIW, (and I expect that you alread know), the Express Editions are all free and they will remain that way, (as MS says).

I was using those quite a bit recently and, you know what, I was able to do everything that I needed to do.

I am sorry that it does not work out for non-US people. I wish that I could change that; but, I cannot.

Thank you.

--Mark Kamoski