Just need some advice on this matter, i tend to stick to linux for most development, however i do enjoy windows environment also, even though i primarily code in java, i do enjoy some c++. I have been using the Express edition of VS, however i have found that i may need to go futher and i figure that this is an investment in my future anyway. Now the thing i am a little at odds with is the fact that the prices between the professional and standard editions vary massively as shown below. Futhermore a brief snippet is shown below describing what each version is intended for.

reference - http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/en-u...uy/default.mspx

Visual Studio 2008 Standard - $299.00 USD


Visual Studio 2008 Professional - $799.00 USD


The standard Edition seems to be what would suite me and i am leaning towards it as the Professional editions are pointless for hobbiest developers such as myself

Now also, i have done a search on a site ( http://www.staticice.com.au ) and have discovered a range of other versions which i think are specific for Australian residents and it has confused me more. What is the difference between all these version, obviously features will be different with respect to each version. I am not able to buy from the MS site as Australia has taxes and things slapped on to products such as these, hence i will need to buy it via retail suppliers here which is ok as some are rather cheap.

I am eligable for academic editions as i am a student currently, however what restrictions does this place on redistributing software, i know the Express Editions are similar in that the executables are not to be distributed etc... I wish to be able to distribute software if i choose, hence i think the academic editions may not allow for this....

Such as the following
MICROSOFT VISUAL STUDIO PRO 2008 ENG ACADEMIC DVD RETAIL - $166
http://www.i-tech.com.au/products/27585_MI...O_2008_ENG.aspx

MICROSOFT VISUAL STUDIO PRO 2008 ENG DVD RETAIL - $1,195.00
http://www.i-tech.com.au/products/27583_MI...O_2008_ENG.aspx

MICROSOFT Visual Studio Pro 2008 UPG Visual Studio Pro 2008 UPG Visual Studio Pro 2008 - $840.00
http://www.i-tech.com.au/products/45728_MI...o_2008_UPG.aspx

MICROSOFT Visual Studio Standard 2008 127-00166 - $434.50
http://www.retailing.com.au/prod_166318_pr..._127-00166.html


One would assume that professional editions of this software would allow for distribution, however i am not sure on this and i am really confused in my selection between basically
VS 2008 Professional Edition $1,195 AUD
VS 2008 Standard Edition $299 USD
VS 2008 Standard Edition $434 AUD
VS 2008 Academic Edition $166 AUD

VS 2008 UPG $840 ??? What is UPG

There is so many versions it really has become confusing. I want the ability to develop in C++ and C#, which i can do in the Express editions... I would be thankful to any people who can clear up the confusion for me and save me buying the wrong thing ~ well the version that will not enable me to do what i am seeking to do.

Recapping what i want
Ability to redistribute software created in VS
Code in C++ & C#
...

Any Help is greatly Appreciated
Thanks


This post has been edited by bbq: 7 Sep, 2009 - 12:20 AM

I'd recommend Dreamspark (awesome program!). With dreamspark you can get full, free copies of the professional editions (no restrictions on distribution).

If that's not an option for whatever reason, I'd go standard. I ended picking up 2005 standard quite a few years back. I still use it from time to time, very pleased with it [standard as opposed to professional for example].

It may be i didnt understood but you can distribute **your software created in ExpressEdition and yes offcourse to use microsofts codes and files in your software (for example in .Net the .net runtime) you have to see the redist.txt file for agreement.This file is in your VisualStudio's installed directory read it you will understand

Thanks KYA & debjit625

@I had a look at dreamspark, interesting indeed. I will look into standard editions of VS and secure a copy of it.

@debjit625, ahh thanks for the information i will have a read over it after some dinner , i am planning on buying a copy of VS, i think professional edition would be a little over the top and after doing some research last night coupled with KYA's post i am reassured that VS Standard Edition will do all that i need for a few years at least

Hence i will give dreamspark a try and if i am not happy with that, will purchase a standard edition of VS2008.

Thanks

I also bought the standard 2005 edition, and so far there hasn't been anything I couldn't do with it. I'm not very advanced, so your needs may well exceed mine. I'm not exactly sure what the professional version has over the standard, but since you're a hobbyist, probably nothing that would warrant the price. $300-400 is still quite a chunk for an individual.

Is it possible to use the upgrade packages with an express edition?

I highly doubt it.