Getting started

When I'm taking you through the guide, I'm assuming you have some basic knowledge of how to use Windows. These are:

• Working with files and folders - If you're not sure, simply Google "How to use Windows Explorer"
• How to add/remove software from Windows
• Basic terminology - I plan to add a glossary eventually.

There are some bits of software you will need to install before being able to write for yourself. However, I would highly recommend reading some of the lessons before installing anything. The software can be quite daunting and quite endless. Just like moving to a new town, it's dangerous to go wandering down every dark alley. It helps to have someone take you around the roads you need to know first.

These bits of software will let you do the actual work of writing. They're all free and completely above board.

• Visual Studio 2008 Express - Get it here. It's missing some of the big boy's toys. I'm going to teach the C# version of the software. That's the one in the green panel on the page.
• Visual Web Developer 2008 Express - Get it here. If you're looking to make a entry level, or even mid-level, dynamic website it has pretty much everything you need. That's the one in the purple panel on the page.
• SQL Server 2008 Express - You can also get it here. It has certain power and size limitations that you will certainly not hit going through my guidance. It's the one in the red panel at the bottom.
• MSDN Express - Get it here. This is what's known as an API reference. You quickly find this is a very useful tool to have.

These bits of software are fairly chunky and will take quite a while to install. So make yourself a cup of tea, pull on your slippers and watch it install. Or you can get stuck into the lessons, you can start reading and getting your head around the main concepts.