I'm a learning (not fresh beginning, but not experienced either) ASP.NET programmer using C#. Some time ago, I read Beginning ASP.NET (1.0) with C#, and now plan to pick up where I left off using ASP Website Programming: Problem, Design, Solution (C# Edition). My copy of the book was published in November 2002, and says that to use it, I will need either Visual Studio.NET 1.0 or Visual C# Standard, AS WELL as SQL Server 2000 (but "most of the techniques ... could apply to any database system, including Access").

I have two questions:

1) I have the opportunity to buy SQL Server 2000 Standard Edition (5-client) for a good price. It says it works with Windows NT/2000, but I'll be using XP Pro. Would that be a problem?

2) More generally, in light of changes to product versions and operating systems since November 2002, is it still the case that I should get SQL Server and Visual Studio.NET 1.0 or Visual C# Standard? What versions of those products should I get, and will I be able to go through the book (ASP Website Programming: Problem, Design, Solution (C# Edition)) with them?

Thanks for any help and guidance. I really appreciate it.

--Yitzchok