So you want to learn .NET?
As of today, Microsoft now has available express editions of Visual Studio .NET. You can download for free any of these lightweight versions of the .NET development tools:
For Web Development:
Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition
For Windows Development:
Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition
Visual C# 2005 Express Edition
Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition
Visual J# 2005 Express Edition
Database Development:
SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
So download Visual Web Developer 2005 Express, sit down with the .NET for Domino Developer series, and see why I have so many positive things to say about it.