For those upgrading from Visual Basic 6 or VB 2005, switching from another programming language, or even new to programming, Halvorson (Pacific Lutheran U., Seattle), a former VB localization manager at Microsoft, provides tips and tutorials on writing one's first program and working in the VB Studio 2008 Integrated Development Environment, with the Visual Web Developer tool to build Web features, and with new features, e.g., Query Builder and Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5. The book includes quick reference tables, resources, and a CD-ROM with practice files.