Well TechEd Europe has come and gone :)

One of the big announcement at TechEd Europe this year, was the Express Editions of Visual Studio 2005 and SQL Server 2005?

So what are the Express editions? The Express products, expand the Visual Studio product line to include lightweight, easy-to-use, easy-to-learn tools for hobbyists, enthusiasts, and novices who want to build dynamic Windows applications and Web sites.

The Express Products are composed of:

• Visual Basic 2005 Express - Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition enables you to create Windows Forms- and console-based applications as well as class libraries.
• Visual C# 2005 Express - Visual C# 2005 Express Edition enables you to create Windows Forms- and console-based applications as well as class libraries.
• Visual C++ 2005 Express - Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition enables you to create Windows Forms- and console-based applications as well as class libraries.
• Visual J# 2005 Express - Visual J# 2005 Express Edition enables you to create Windows Forms- and console-based applications as well as class libraries.
• Visual Web Developer 2005 Express - Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition is focused exclusively on Web development with ASP.NET 2.0. Choose from Visual Basic, C#, or J# languages. 
• SQL Server 2005 Express - SQL Server 2005 Express Edition complements the other Express products by providing database support that is both powerful and easy to use.

The main site for the Visual Studio 2005 Express Beta Products is http://lab.msdn.microsoft.com/express/

You can download the Beta's of the Express editions at the following links:Visual Basic 2005 Express, Visual C# 2005 Express, Visual C++ 2005 Express, Visual J# 2005 Express, Visual Web Developer 2005 Express and SQL Server 2005 Express. These are links to an automated Web Download/Installer client.

If you are having problems with the automated Web download client, you can manually download the files, using the link on the right hand side. The link has a title "Having trouble downloading? Click here for manual installation instructions." This title is probably going to change over time, so be aware of this.

Also, you have the option of simply ordering a CD with the complete install an edition of Express. Go to http://lab.msdn.microsoft.com/vs2005/get/order/ for details.

NB Please read the Express Readme for downloading and/or installing an Express Edition. The Express Readme can be found at http://lab.msdn.microsoft.com/express/readme/ 

FAQ's for the Express Products can be found at the following links:

• General Questions
• Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition
• Visual C# 2005 Express Edition
• Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition
• Visual J# 2005 Express Edition
• Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition
• SQL Server 2005 Express Edition

Also, there are some blogs out there from the teams that brought you the Express products:

• SQL Server 2005 Express Blog
• Visual Studio Express Blog

Newgroups:

• SQL Server 2005 Express and SQL Server 2005 Mobile Technology Preview Newsgroups

To Submit Bugs or Feature Requests

• Submit detailed feedback on bugs, feature changes, or feature requests for Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Technical Preview
• For Visual Studio Express Editions, go to MSDN Product Feedback Center to provide feedback on bugs and/or features
  

Another NB: The Product teams are looking for feedback on these Beta's, so please feel free to make suggestions and/or report a possible at the MSDN Product Feedback Center.