Arlanthir

I'm terribly sorry por posting this in general, but I really think it's where it fits the most. Also, sorry for any mishap but since I'm quite new here (going to 10 seconds now) I assume I have a lot to catch up on.

I'm new to VB programming and I'd like to take a few doubts out.

Firstly, what is recommended by most of the experts, VB.Net or VB6, and what are the differences? (I'm currently working on vb6)

Second, I'm trying to make programs interact with each other, but the only way I can think of it is by creating an output file (like a .ini) or making some register key (which I do not yet know) and then have the other program read it. Is there any simpler way? (Similar to how wmp and msn messenger interact with that plugin to show the current music.)

Which leads to no. 3: Can I 'listen' to that kind of events, to catch the music wmp is playing like messenger does? If not, how come the same plugin came out for use with winamp and msn?

Finally, just if anyone knows (because I don't want you to search for me when I can do it easily, I'm just asking if by any chance you have one handy right now. That, on your bookmarks!) a good and simple connections tutorial, tcp-ip (for 2 or more pcs to share information by text or even files) send me in the right direction (I'm sorry for any mistakes here, walking on unexplored territory, but I believe the internet connection protocol that programs use is tcp-ip, right?)

Many many thanks in advance, and again I apologize for any error. Correct me in anything, please.
If I failed to make myself 'understandble' just point it out and I'll try to be more specific (english is not my mother language).

BobThePenguin

I call the easy one.
Short answer: .Net. If you're learning might as well learn on the most recent, it'll be what employers are looking for by and large. As far as the differences, they are many. A starting place would be this sticky at the top of this forum.

anomaly

as stated above, i would go.net since your still learning, Im a vb6 fan, and the learning curve is killing me, because i know What i want to do, how to do it in vb6 but not in .net, which is the newest thing since the last newest thing. always nice to keep up.

as for winamp. I made an aol...ew, i know, chat program back in the day that would manipulate winamp through documented api (found on winamps site) so i could change songs, load playlists, get song titles, lengths stop, pause, shuffle, rinse and repeat.

was pretty nice for a learning experience, so i imagine yes you can make them interact. its just a little complicated playing around with api if you dont "get it"
but, since you found us, we do tend to help as much as possible (within reason).

so vb.net and yes to be short about it, heh.

later

Arlanthir

Thank you for your quick and comprehensive replies =)

I made a simple mp3 player in vb6 and what I'd really like to do is make it interact with my next program Messenger/Ether Online (a simple IM client with a built-in role-playing game). What process do you recommend for doing so?

As for vb.net I still don't understand what I have to install... Vb.net 2003 or Visual Studio 2005?

I don't quite know it, but I can post in the general forum links to the apps I design, right? For comments and critiques, ideas, etc...

Thanks again

reboot

2005 is the newest version of .Net
2003 is the older version of .Net

Mike Rosenblum

You should start with VB 2005 Express which is free,

and get yoursel a good VB.NET Book:

(1) VB.NET Book recomendations
(2) Free eBook from MSDN

That should get you started nicely, but you have a long road ahead of you...

-- Mike

Arlanthir

Will do

What about posting links for apps?