MICROSOFT VISUAL STUDIO EXPRESS 2008

Microsoft very recently released a new version of Visual Studio Express. MS provides free:

=> Visual C++ 2008 Express Edition.
=> Visual Basic 2008 Express Edition.
=> Visual C# 2008 Express Edition.
=> Visual Web 2008 Express Edition.

Also

Sequel Server 2005 is available as a free download.

For me the best news is that Windows programming comes automatically with the installation of VC++ Express 2008 (VC++ 2005 Express had required a separate installation for complete Windows programming).

There are some tutorials to get started.

A free Game Development Kit is also available as a separate download.