I am new to .NET (learning C#). Previously I have mainly worked in Delphi. I am using Visual Studio 2005 Standard Edition.

I am working on a Windows App.

I was very surprised to find VS2005 Std. has only the very basic components (buttons, edit box, etc.) - a fraction of the components that come with Delphi (and I am using Delphi 5, an old version). Among other things, I am looking for a SpinEdit control, and I'm sure I'll want a lot more

So my first question is: are there more components packaged with VS2008? If do get VS2008. I don't see that the Pro edition has that much more (that I'm looking for) than the Standard edition, but I"m willing to listen to arguments to the contrary.

Also I don't see that many third party .NET components on the Internet and I would appreciate any tips about where to look. Open Source, free components would be especially welcome.

Thanks in advance,
Michael Bate

For open source components, try CodePlex:
http://www.codeplex.com/

For commercially supported components, the big vendors include:
Infragistics: http://www.infragistics.com
DevExpress: http://www.devexpress.com
Telerik: http://www.telerik.com/
ComponentOne: http://www.componentone.com/

Hope this helps you get started Michael!

Jim Minatel
Acquisitions Director
Wiley Technology Publishing
WROX Press
Blog: http://wroxblog.typepad.com/
Wrox online library: http://wrox.books24x7.com