visual basic 2008 express good solution for what?

[jason213123]

hi,
i need a software to build a program that can do the following:
-use a sql server 2005 express maibe
-use a sql server 2000
-connect to mysql
-use crystal report to generate the sheet for print

until now i use the vb6 to work with that things that i have say but i looking for a new language because vb6 is a "little" old but i dont want spent many time learning a language for say to my self "**** this program can´t do what i want"
i have seen many versions of visual basic and one of them is the
visual basic 2008 express that is free, but what is the limitation of this software? i can build all of that i build in vb6?
i have the same controls? i know some controls dont exist in others versions of visual basic 2005,2008 etc but my question is
the visual basic 2008 express if good for what?
until now i dont spend many time using this software because the language if a quiet diferent from vb6
the vb6 to .net have many diferences but i need know is if i learn use the visual basic 2008 express i able to use the others versions? like visual basic 2005 and others products the is more professional?
thanks for your help

[dglienna]

visual basic 2008 express is all you need to get started. The other version may include tools that make it easier for you to develop apps, but the ability to write anything you want that uses the Net runtime is huge benefit.

If you know how to use the IDE, then you have another advantage.

As far as can I do this or that? Try it yourself. You won't be disappointed.

If there's a VB6 control that doesn't exist in VB.Net, you can design your own control that does whatever you want.

[jason213123]

hi,
thanks for your help
until now i have tested to connect and return data from sql server and other stuff may be this can do all that i need but with many hancks


thanks for your help

[dglienna]

Download the 101 Samples for VS XX (version specific for 2005 and 2008)
They have versions for VB.Net as well as C#.

That will give you a glimpse into the power of the language.