very new to .net - questions

[HankG]

I use MS Access (W95 version on an XP computer) to create databases for my
own use, and would like to develop a stand-alone version of one, which could
be marketed to a specific group of non-programmers. Most of the members of
the group use their computers to surf the Internet, and little else, but
could benefit from such a program.

I was referred to Visual Basic and since I did a lot of basic programming in
my early days, went to check it out VB 6 at the local computer store. Of
course, all I found was VB .NET. I started to do research into .NET, and
specifically VB .NET. There was a lot that was overwhelming, and much that
seemed very logical, but most likely, overkill.

What I wish to do is produce a stand-alone (compiled?) empty database which
will reside on the user's computer. This will be run locally (no Internet
involvement). The program will allow the user to do all of the usual db
functions, but (my) programming will provide the interface.

Based on what I have learned about .NET, and what I have yet to learn, I
have several questions:

1. Can I do this using VB .NET?

2. What is the compatibility of such a program developed with VB .NET,
i.e., can it be run on earlier versions of Windows, say back to W95? Is
there a way to determine, in advance, how much resources would be necessary?

3. Does the user need to have the .NET framework installed on their
computer?

4. Does the program require the CLR to be installed on the user's computer,
or is this part of the 'framework'? This (and the previous) could be of
concern to some users due to lack of available free disk space.

As I am not a professional programmer, this project of mine is probably more
of a lark, but I am prepared to take it as far as I can go. I greatly
appreciate all responses to this post. In the event that VB .NET presents
too many problems, I would also welcome recommendations on other software
that might be more suitable.

Thanks.

HankG
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[Armin Zingler]

"HankG" <no****@nowhere.com> schrieb

I use MS Access (W95 version on an XP computer) to create databases
for my own use, and would like to develop a stand-alone version of
one, which could be marketed to a specific group of non-programmers.
Most of the members of the group use their computers to surf the
Internet, and little else, but could benefit from such a program.

I was referred to Visual Basic and since I did a lot of basic
programming in my early days, went to check it out VB 6 at the local
computer store. Of course, all I found was VB .NET. I started to do
research into .NET, and specifically VB .NET. There was a lot that
was overwhelming, and much that seemed very logical, but most likely,
overkill.

What I wish to do is produce a stand-alone (compiled?) empty database
which will reside on the user's computer. This will be run locally
(no Internet involvement). The program will allow the user to do all
of the usual db functions, but (my) programming will provide the
interface.

Based on what I have learned about .NET, and what I have yet to
learn, I have several questions:

1. Can I do this using VB .NET?
yes
2. What is the compatibility of such a program developed with VB
.NET, i.e., can it be run on earlier versions of Windows, say back to
W95? Is there a way to determine, in advance, how much resources
would be necessary?
Minimum is Win98. Not all classes or methods are supported if your
application runs on Win98. The minimum system requirements for a specific
class or method are listed in the documentation of the class.

The Framework (also your application) can *not* be installed on W95 systems.
The support ended at 31-Dec-2000, extended support ended at 31-Dec-2001:

http://support.microsoft.com/default...;en-us;lifewin

3. Does the user need to have the .NET framework installed on
their computer?
yes
4. Does the program require the CLR to be installed on the user's
computer, or is this part of the 'framework'? This (and the
previous) could be of concern to some users due to lack of available
free disk space.

The CLR is part of the .Net Framework.
--
Armin

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