Now, I can’t say you’ll actually learn C# or VB “easily” by using Visual Studio - you’ll get your results by the drag-and-drop method. But it’s a good starting point if you drag-and-drop something, change it, and look at the underlying code. Once you want to make your pages do more complicated things, you’ve got a base on which to build and can go forth on the Internet and read about how to make new things work.
I think it’s a fun and easy way to learn a programming language for someone that has time to kill. Learn it slowly as you go along.
You can also pick up SQL 2005 Express while you’re at that VS.NET site.
How about picking up a new language? You could try the library or bookstore to get a beginner’s book and maybe some audio tapes, then once you’ve got a good idea of the basics like pronunciation, hello how are you kinda stuff, you could take a class at your local college or community center?
That’s a good way to meet people, a great skill for your personal and professional life, and I am personally fascinated by other languages.
If you live in ATL you have three growing seasons at your disposal. Go get some seeds and start growing things. Better yet, sneak some cuttings out of the Botanical Gardens…
>Learn how to play the ocarina. They are a vastly under-appreciated instrument.
Or the double bell euphonium. I heard a rendition by that instrument of Auld Lang Syne that was heavenly. And they are quite the thing to see - no ocarina is going to turn heads the way this thing will.
