I want to develop a program that connects to a mainframe and performs a set of functions. Output will use datagrids extensively. The program must also be securable. Can I do this with Visual Basic.net 2002 (full standard version) or must I purchase the "Professional" instead? Thanks in advance for your valued advice.:)

If you pound a nail into the wall with your forehead or a hammer, will a picture hang differently on it?

What you use to build the application will not affect how it runs and how secure it is. It just affects how you build it. Technically you don't need anything more than notepad to build the application, but VS.net sure helps make it easier. Perhaps this link will help: http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/howtobuy/choosing.aspx

(Apologies for the sarcasm. Too much sugar this morning.)