Want to get started, what do I need?

Hi everyone,

This is my first thread on here, so first of all, Hello. I have a few questions before I get started.

First, I have Windows XP Home on my PC, will I have to upgrade to XP Pro? I have downloaded Cassini, as I am told that will allow me to write and at least learn ASP.Net on XP Home.

On top of Cassini I have also downloaded the .Net Framework, and Web Matrix. What else do I need? I know that I need a Database of some sort, which would be the best (and most cost effective) to go with? I am familiar with Access, and have built some complex Relatinal Databases with it, but I am aware that it is not the best option to go with for server ASP.Net Applications.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Yours,
BeevHello,
What you need is the following:
1- Windows XP Professional
2- Install IIS 5.0/6.0
3- Install Microsoft .NET FrameWork 1.1
4- Install Visual Studio.Net or Web Matrix ( or .NET SDK 1.1)
5- You are done, you can start working,

any help needed I am ready.

regards.
hi,

microsoft advices the MSDE or SQL Server:

http://asp.net/msde/Default.aspx?tabindex=0&tabid=1

regards,

Alex
and ASP.Net Unleashed by Stephen Walther
Hey adwins04 ... that's my line :)
I havent bought a book yet, is that book good for novices then?

I was thinking of using C# as the language to code in, as my experience with VB (6, not .Net) is limited and I was not particularly skilled in that language. I have also got some experience in Java, so a few people have told me that C# would be the better option of the languages.

Yours,
Beev
this may help you to bringt about a decision:

What are the advantages of C# over VB.NET and vice versa?

my favourite is C#

regards,

Alex

I was thinking of using C# as the language to code in, as my experience with VB (6, not .Net) is limited and I was not particularly skilled in that language. I have also got some experience in Java, so a few people have told me that C# would be the better option of the languages.

Yeah, the language which you have more background with, is just easier to jump in. If you have VB background, use VB.NET, if you have C/Java-style background, use C#.

But in my opinion it is still important to understand the other major language despite that you master the other. Personally I use them both almost as much. I often find that some particular stuff is nice to do with other language and some other with another.Usually it goes that I write components with C#, but main app (UI) with VB due to VB IDE in VS.NET being better for my needs (I usually want the UI up as fast as possible and more productive the IDe lets me be, the better).

Completely another thing is that it's not that different to have people experienced with other language(s) in same team/company. Therefore healthy common knowledge about other languages usually helps communicating with them, especially when it gets technical.