Subject: Download and Install Visual Basic Express

You will need to install Visual Basic Express and download the Student Data Files associated with the text to complete the VB portion of this class. Students are expected to comply with SDCCD Online computer infrastructure requirements as set out on Online Learning Pathways.

You can download Visual Basic 2010 Express for free from Microsoft.

• Point your browser to http://www.microsoft.com/express/Downloads/
• Select Visual Studio 2010 Express
• Select Download Visual Basic 2010 Express
• Select language (English)
• The download should start automatically.

You must register your copy of Visual Basic Express within 30 days. Point your browser to this URL: http://www.microsoft.com/express/support/regins/ for instructions on registering the software.

You may optionally download and install Visual Studio 2010 Express by pointing your browser to this URL: http://www.microsoft.com/express/downloads/ Visual Studio is an IDE, Integrated Development Environment that you may use as a platform for Visual Basic, C++, Java . . .

Instructions in the book refer to Visual Basic 2008 however the screens and options should be similar to VB 2010. Read the book and work the exercise. The assignment will be similar to the exercise.

Visual Basic 2010 is installed at the computer lab on the Mesa campus, room K401. The lab is staffed and the assistants are helpful.

You will need to download and extract the Student Data Files, a zip file containing VB source code that you will use to start your projects.

• Point your browser to this URL: http://wps.aw.com/aw_gaddis_vb2008_4/82/21176/5421294.cw/content/index.html
• Download Student_Sample_Programs.zip to a convenient location.
• Extract the data files as you need them.
• Keep the zip file available for future reference. You may want to refer to the unadulterated Student Data files on occasion. Save your modified files to another location.

VB projects often create several files in subdirectories. You should start your projects in an area separate from the student data files, an area set aside for your assignments. Import the files you need from the student data files and save your modified project to the area you use for your assignments.

Once you have completed the assignment, you will need to create a zip file containing all the files necessary to constitute a working VB project. There are links on the Course Content page in Blackboard to tutorials on "How to ZIP a VB project". When you finish the assignment, zip all project files. Be certain all the files necessary for a workable VB project are included in the zip file. Caution! Test your zip file. An incomplete zip file will appear to be complete if you unzip it in the same location where you created the project. You should unzip the project in an alternate location, e.g. c:\temp to test the zip file. If it doesn't work for you, it won't work for me.

You will submit each assignment as a separate zip file. Each zip file will contain a complete workable VB project. Attach the zip file to the Blackboard Assignment. Include a brief description with the submission and select the submit button.