For years, every time Microsoft (MS) released a new suite of development tools, it has done so under the name "Microsoft Visual Studio." Therefore, whenever a developer talks about doing Microsoft development, they are likely talking about something that they did with Visual Studio. Also, because MS Visual Studio has been around for such a long time, when a programmer says that he or she has used Microsoft Visual Studio, the programmer might be referring to:

1. Visual Studio 6.0
2. Visual Studio express
3. Visual Studio .NET
4. Visual Studio 2005
5. Visual Studio 2008

While it is helpful that Microsoft Visual Studio has endured in one form or another, it can make things confusing when looking to download a Visual Studio upgrade, hire a Microsoft Visual Studio developer, or even find a Visual Studio tutorial. It requires that you know what version you have and/or what version you are seeking. Still, narrowing your Google search a few times to find information about a specific version may be inconvenient, but it is a relatively minor issue. No matter what version you need, the following steps will help you get what you need from Microsoft Visual Studio.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Download MS Visual Studio from one of these visual studio suppliers

Before you pay for a full copy of the latest Visual Studio product, you can download a trial copy. These trial versions will not have all the features of the full commercial product, but they do give users a good idea what to expect.

I recommend: The best place to download Microsoft Visual Studio trials is from Microsoft. To download support products for Microsoft Visual Studio, like Team Foundation, check out My Digital Life. The site also offers forums to discuss technical issues and provide support and advice to other users.

Buy Microsoft Visual Studio online

Once you are ready to buy Visual Studio, you can purchase it online. There are several different suppliers of Microsoft Visual Studio who can give price breaks on the software.

I recommend: Look at SoftwareMedia.com for prices. If you cannot find something there, Google is indexing sites and listing the prices they charge.

Consider Microsoft Visual Studio training

To get the most from Visual Studio, consider getting training for anyone who is going to use it. Microsoft Visual Studio is very easy to begin using, but some of the advanced features may require extra education.

I recommend: O'Reilly produces an excellent line of books on how to use Microsoft Visual Studio. eLearners.com also offers a series of Computer Based Training (CBTs) for leaning Microsoft .NET and becoming certified.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While Microsoft is a Visual Studio supplier, it is not the best of the suppliers of Microsoft Visual Studio. Consider finding a value added reseller who can offer the software at more affordable prices and can provide support services as well.
• •  If you already own Visual Studio but want to upgrade to a newer version of Microsoft Visual Studio, you can purchase a Microsoft Visual Studio upgrade CD instead of a brand new version. This is always cheaper.
• •  Do not upgrade Microsoft Visual Studio without a fair amount of preparation and forethought. Every new version introduces new features which tend to cause backwards compatibility issues.