non-bashing MS

You may have or may not have noticed that i do not bash Microsoft. I am a Linux user but I believe in using the best tool for the job and there are times that is (ahh don't make me say it) Windows.
I use a windows powered Pocket PC for my always at the ready and always in my pocket computer. I also use their compiler and IDE for writing apps for the PPC. I use Java and Linux for development but lately I have been using WebSphere Studio on a Windows 2k box for java dev.
So when I hear that MS is putting out a bunch of free lite versions of their development products I take a look.
I have argued for a long time now that if the basic tools for developing for one platform (ppc) are free why can't a basic set of dev be available for another (desktop Windows) at least for the guy sitting at home about to have the next big idea. If putting the development tools into his hands means your platform is the one the next big thing sits on then your platform can see clear benefits.
So here's what i have so far. The sql server and web page tool are already available. They are cut down free versions of the real thing.
The others (vb.net, c#.net, c++.net, j#.net are all coming soon if not already.
These are for " hobbyists, enthusiasts, and novices"
At the moment they are only in Beta 1 and are free to download but they say you are not licensed to distribute the results.
The web page indicated that in the beta 2 stage there will be some type of license to distribute.
Anytime something is free it is a good thing but with the you can't distribute thing in palce I am suggesting people who have studio to stay with it, if you want to start to learn how to develope then the beta one may be ok for you to try out programming (use the j# to start is what I suggest) and then move to c# and c++
If you alreadt program in VB moving to the express version will leave you wanting.
Another thing I noticed is that they are trying toi keep the sizes down so if you are using an older computer this may be what you need. Only 50 meg HDD space required and the other specs are loose as well.

ysrd