Hey,
My brother told me about this - MicroSoft is putting out some new programming software called Visual Studio. I'm told it's excellent (my other brother was one of the evaluators for the project), and I got some information about the introduction meeting they'll be having - everyone who goes gets a free, full copy, not a trial version. I'm not sure on the restrictions of who can attend, but I thought it might spark some interest. If anyone knows anything else on the subject I'd lovew to hear (and I'm sure others would too!). YOu can get some of the information at the link below:
http://www.msdnaa.net/vsfalltour/
Enjoy!