It's a strip down version of the full version and it's available for public
download. Microsoft recent public realase not including an IDE. Hoever this
time around, it includes an IDE! I think the major difference is it has no
MFC library support. Apart some optimizations are not available in express
edition.

Where did you hear about that? It can't produce a standalone application?
Well I think you have to register (or Microcost sometime refers it as
activate) it. If not it will only work for 30 days. I think there is no time
limit after you register it. I also believe there will be an official
express edition for public download once it is really!

>From Microsoft web site:

Top 10 Cool Things about Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition
Here are the Top 10 cool things about Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition.

- Superior compatibility with language standards allow you to compile almost
any C/C++ source code
- Build powerful, high-performance 32-bit native code applications using the
Microsoft Platform SDK
- Quickly create .NET Framework applications with advanced features such as
data access, networking, built-in printing support, and Web Services
- Add professional quality video, 2D/3D graphics, and sound to your
applications using the DirectX SDK
- Build applications that interact with website such as eBay.com,
Amazon.com, and MapPoint.com
- Visual designers enable drag-and-drop creation of user interface code when
building .NET Framework applications
- Import additional controls and components for rapidly building powerful
applications
- Automatic statement completion helps you code quickly and correctly
- Quickly find and eliminate programming errors using an intuitive graphical
debugger
- Small download makes it easy to get started

I'm doubt over the last comment anyway. 516MB is considered small download?
Never mind it's free anyway ;)

Best regards,
WH Tan


-----Original Message-----
From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu]On Behalf
Of Chen Xiao Fan
Sent: 14 July 2005 07:53
To: 'Microcontroller discussion list - Public.'
Subject: RE: [EE] Host interface software programming language


What is the difference between VC++ 2005 Express edition and the
regular version? It is said to be not able to produce standalone
applications.  How long will Beta II remain functioning
after register it? I know that one needs to register it in
30 days.

Regards,
Xiaofan

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