MS .Net

The Windows Presentation Foundation (or WPF), formerly code named Avalon, is the graphical subsystem feature of Microsoft Windows. It will be included in Vista, the next version of the Microsoft Windows operating system. WPF is also available for installation on Windows XP SP2 and Windows Server 2003 SP1 as part of .NET Framework 3.0 (formerly called WinFX) Runtime Components. It provides a consistent programming model for building applications, whether they are installed on a system or are loaded into a web browser. It also enables richer control, design, and development of the visual aspects of Windows programs. It aims to unify a host of application services: user interface, 2D and 3D drawing, fixed and adaptive documents, vector graphics, raster graphics, animation, data binding, audio and video.

WPF/E is a subset of WPF, and stands for "Windows Presentation Foundation Everywhere". It is basically a mobile version of WPF, based on XAML and Javascript. 3D features are not included, but XPS, vector-based drawing, and hardware acceleration, are.

I'll try here to discuss the difference between the two types of casting.
C# provides two ways for casting object references

object myClass = new MyClass();
((MyClass)myClass).MyMethod();


This is an example of downcasting (casting from the top to the bottom of the class hierarchy).

In the first line of code, the compiler emits a "Castclass" opcode, which converts the reference to the type specified between the parenthesis if possible (if not, an InvalidCastException exception is thrown).

The second case is :

object myClass = new MyClass();
(myClass as MyClass).MyMethod();

here we use the as operator , which works much faster, because it only checks the reference type but doesn't perform any sort of cast (nor throws any exception).

In performance terms, it is better to use the second option, because it speeds up much more the code execution, avoiding type casts and exception throwing.

A consistent naming pattern is one of the most important elements of predictability and discoverability in a managed class library. Widespread use and understanding of these naming guidelines should eliminate many of the most common user questions.
Find here : http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/cpgenref/html/cpconnamingguidelines.asp
naming guidelines for the .NET Framework types.

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (SQL Server Express) is a powerful and reliable data management product that delivers rich features, data protection, and performance for embedded application clients, light Web applications, and local data stores. Designed for easy deployment and rapid prototyping, SQL Server Express is available at no cost, and you are free to redistribute it with applications. Because it is part of the Microsoft Windows Server System, SQL Server Express is designed to integrate seamlessly with your other server infrastructure investments. For more information about SQL Server Express, see the SQL Server Express page on MSDN.

Visual Studio provides a new feature called code snippets. You can use code snippets to type a short alias, and then expand it into a common programming construct. For example, the for code snippet creates an empty for loop. Some code snippets are surround-with code snippets, which enable you to select lines of code, then choose a code snippet which will incorporate the selected lines of code. For example, selecting lines of code then activating the for code snippet creates a for loop with those lines of code inside the loop block. Code snippets can make writing program code quicker, easier, and more reliable

Microsoft has launched the Express Editions of Visual Studio 2005:

* Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition
* Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition
* Visual C# 2005 Express Edition
* Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition
* Visual J# 2005 Express Edition

Each of these is a simplified and streamlined version of Visual Studio 2005 focused on development in a single language (except Visual Web Developer, which includes Visual Basic and C#). A full run-down of the feature differences between these Express Editions and the full Visual Studio 2005 can be found in the product feature comparison matrix.

In short, all the essential features for building ASP.NET 2.0 Websites are here. The Express Editions include a simplified user interface and limited features (e.g., you can only interface with databases on your local computer), but for developers building simple sites or just getting started with .NET for Windows desktop or Web development, there’s more than enough meat in these products. Visual Web Developer Express Edition, in particular, is a must-download for anyone currently working with ASP.NET Web Matrix, though developers should note that these Express Editions are not backwards compatible with version 1.x of the .NET Framework—they can only be used to develop for .NET 2.0.

Although Microsoft had previously announced each of these Express Editions at a price point of US$49, it has instead launched them as free downloads for one year. In a year’s time, Microsoft may elect to begin charging for the software, but anyone who has downloaded it during the free download period will have it for keeps—this is not expire-ware.

Also available is SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, the successor to the aging MSDE database. Perfectly suited for use as a local database for Web development, SQL Server 2005 Express Edition will remain free for as long as the product is available.

Download and more info

http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/

The patterns & practices Enterprise Library is a library of application blocks designed to assist developers with common enterprise development challenges. Application blocks are a type of guidance, provided as source code that can be used "as is," extended, or modified by developers to use on enterprise development projects.

Enterprise Library features new and updated versions of application blocks that were previously available as stand-alone application blocks. All Enterprise Library application blocks have been updated with a particular focus on consistency, extensibility, ease of use, and integration.

Enterprise Library is available for download from MSDN for .NET Framework 2.0 (January 2006 release) and .NET Framework 1.1 (June 2005 release). Pre-release versions, patches and bonus deliverables can be found in the Downloads section of this site.

For more info go to : http://www.gotdotnet.com/codegallery/codegallery.aspx?id=295a464a-6072-4e25-94e2-91be63527327