What software I'll need to become proficient in the Microsoft endorsed languages?

Question

I have a free MSDN account and now that I am proficient in C/C++/Java, and know some JavaScript, PHP and MySQL, I want to learn some proprietary languages from Microsoft. I am looking to experiment with everything within the next several months - C#, ASP, VB, things I haven't even heard of [insert suggestions here], what have you.

However, I know nothing about the languages and the software that I need. I don't even know what .NET is.

I don't know if I should be downloading Visual Studio 2008 or Visual Studio .NET. I don't know if I need .NET Framework 1.1... there's just so much stuff on MSDN. I don't even know how begin to do any ASP... Please don't flame me.

I was hoping that with your help I can make a complete list of languages and software and start experimenting. Which framework do I need? Should I install a regular Windows, a professional version or a server? What do I need to do DB related stuff?

There are a lot of questions here and I would like to get an answer to each, so please contribute with whatever you can. I am devoting 2 days to downloading and researching the topic myself, but I would like some [professional] people input, because googling these things just isn't enough.

Answer 1

A good start would be Visual Studio 2008. This is the IDE and is the current version.

The installer will make sure that you have the correct versions of .NET installed, and also includes the database SQL Express.

You can install this on any version of Windows later than Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Since you come from a Java/C/C++ background, you may find C# most similar to what you are used to.

Personally, I would ignore VB.NET and look at F# next. However, that is not included in Visual Studio before 2010, but you can download a preview for free that works with Visual Studio 2008.

Answer 2

The express editions are a good start, they are free. the install should install any dependencies you need (the run time etc). There are plenty of other add ons (ASP.NET MVC is currently an add on for anything less than the 2010 beta of Visual Studio).

I included a link for the 2008 express editions which are the most current released versions

Visual Studio Express 2008