Using Visual Studio for open source projects (projects management & legal issues)

Question

1. I'm working on small open source project for developed Windows. I created new project using Visual Studio wizard and now I want to publish it using subversion and develop it with friends. What projects' configuration files I have to add to repository to make my friends able to download current project's revision and open it in Visual Studio?

   2. List item University where I study is a member of Microsoft Academy Alliance project, which make students able to download legal copies of many Microsoft's products. Can I use this copy to develop open source project and publish created code in Internet?

Answer 1

For 1; I would exclude *.user and *.suo files as they are user-specific, and the bin/obj folders as they are build output. Include most everything else; .cs, .csproj, .resx, etc.

For 2, from here:

You may use the software for non-commercial purposes including instructional use, research and/or design, and development and testing of projects for class assignments, tests, or personal projects. You may not use MSDNAA software for any for-profit software development.

I'm not a lawyer, but as long as you aren't selling it you should be fine under the "personal projects" caveat.

Answer 2

Of course, you could always use free alternatives:

Sharp Develop (also open source)

Visual Studio 2010 Express Editions

This allows other users, perhaps hobbyists, to have access. Legally you should be fine, don't sell it though.