Visual Studio 2008 Tips and Tricks

Tip # 1: Track Active Item 
When using Visual Studio Often it is difficult to figure out which file is being edited specially when working with Solution having many projects and many files. I found a simple way to easily keep track of this.

All you need to do is to enable Tools->Options->Projects & Solutions->Track Active Item In Solution Explorer.


 When you enable this feature current open file is automatically selected in your solution explorer.

Tip # 2: Speed up ASPX page loading by opening it in Source View
Often when I double click on aspx or asxc file, it takes some time to create its design view and often I just have to adjust its markup little bit. We can set Tools->Options->HTML Designer->Source View.

This will always open ASPX files in source view.

Tip # 3: Speed up IDE by Turning off Animations
Visual Studio 2008 comes with many animations such as when you Take mouse over Tool Box or Solution Explorer it comes in an animated way. But if your PC is slow then you can turn it off to get some speed. You can do it by unchecking Tools->Options->Environment->Animate environment tools.


These are the few useful tips for Visual Studio 2008. Please share with me if you know some other tips as well.

Microsoft WebsiteSpark Program!!! An opportunity to boom your business

WebsiteSpark is a recently announced program by Microsoft. Basically this program is for freelance developers and companies who are providing web development and design services to their customers. Through this program they will get free software and support from Microsoft for three years.

Eligibility Criteria and Enrollment in WebsiteSpark
Eligibility Criteria is very simple:-
  • Companies whose primary business is to provide Web development and design services to their customer.
  • Company must have 10 or less employees
So, if you want to get benefits from this program, go to WebsiteSpark Homepage and signup now.
In enrollment process you have to get an ‘Approval Code’ from a Microsoft Champ, Network Partner or Hosting Partner. For further details about enrollment visit WebsiteSpark Faqs.

What software are available for free in WebsiteSpark Program?
WebsiteSpark program provides following softwares to their members for free of cost for three years:-

Development Tools
  • Visual Studio® 2008 Professional Edition 3 user licenses
  • Expression® Studio 2 (or 3) 1 user license, available only to the Primary Contact for the Web Pro
  • Expression® Web 2 (or 3) 2 user licenses
  • Windows Web Server® 2008 (or Windows Web Server 2008 R2 when available) 3 user licenses
  • SQL Server® 2008 Web 3 user licenses  
Production and Deployment
  • Windows Web Server® 2008 (or Windows Web Server 2008 R2, when available) (4 Processor License)
  • SQL Server® 2008 Web (4 Processor License)
What are other benefits of WebsiteSpark Program?
There are other benefits from WebsiteSpark Program as well which are listed below:-
  • Professional Support from Microsoft
  • Free online training
  • Managed newsgroups on MSDN (a community of over six million developers) and/or other Microsoft online properties
  • Access to broad community support through connections with Network Partners, Hosting Partners, and peers with complementary services and technologies
  • You will also qualify for Special Offers from Microsoft
What will happen once 3 year period is completed?
After the completion of three years there is no obligation to continue use of any of software and there is no cost for those three years except $100 program fee at end of three years.
Also WebsiteSpark members can purchase all software (mentioned above) in only $999/year. Another offer is to purchase only production server software i.e. Windows Web Server® 2008 R2 and SQL Server® 2008 Web in only $199/year.

Conclusion
In the current period of recession, WebsiteSpark program is a great opportunity for freelance developers and companies to establish and grow their business through support and trainings from Microsoft. Anyone who feels interested should go to WebsiteSpark home page. Also it is my humble request to share this with all freelancers and small companies to help them.