Internet Newsgroups: comp.lang.basic.visual,comp.answers,news.answers 
Subject: comp.lang.basic.visual General Frequently Asked Questions 
X-Content-Currency: This FAQ changes regularly.  When a saved or printed copy 
                    is over 6 months old, please obtain a new one. 
Expires: Sun, 8 May 1994 05:30:20 GMT 
Organization: Visual Basic FAQ Maintainers 
Date: Thu, 21 Apr 1994 05:30:26 GMT 
X-Posting-Frequency: Posted on the 5th and 20th of each month. 
Summary: General information and frequently asked questions concerning 
         Microsoft's Visual Basic products. 
Keywords: FAQ VISUAL BASIC GENERAL INFORMATION 
 
                   GENERAL INFORMATION 
             about Microsoft's Visual Basic  
           the COMP.LANG.BASIC.VISUAL newsgroup 
                ========================== 
 
PREFACE: 
This document is a compilation of frequently asked questions and their 
answers about Visual Basic in general which have been gathered from the 
comp.lang.basic.visual newsgroup.   Although some efforts have been made 
to find obvious errors, there is no guarantee that the information in this 
document is error-free.  The FAQ maintainer, or anyone else associated 
with this document, assume NO liability for the content or use of this 
document.  If you find any errors, please report them to the address 
given below. 
 
Most FAQs (including this one) are available at the anonymous ftp 
archive site "rtfm.mit.edu".  All four parts of the VB FAQ may be found in the 
directory "pub/usenet/comp.lang.basic.visual". 
 
You can also have the VB FAQs e-mailed to you by sending a message to 
"mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu" with ONLY the text "send 
usenet/comp.lang.basic.visual/*" in the body of the message. 
 
========================================== 
 
I.   The COMP.LANG.BASIC.VISUAL Charter: 
 
     COMP.LANG.BASIC.VISUAL is an unmoderated forum to share 
     information about Microsoft's Visual Basic for Windows and 
     MS-DOS, as well as the new "Application Basic" embedded in MS 
     applications such as Word for Windows, Excel, and Access. 
 
     Microsoft provides no Internet support channel for Visual Basic, 
     so this group will let Visual Basic users get together to help 
     each other, without requiring them to filter through unrelated, 
     broader Windows programming issues. 
 
II.  What is Visual Basic and Where can I get it? 
 
     Visual Basic (often abbreviated 'VB') is a programming language 
     initially developed by Microsoft to provide programmers with a 
     quick and easy method of developing Windows applications. 
 
     Visual Basic provides the programmer with an integrated 
     environment where s/he can use tools to create a point and 
     shoot interface and use event driven programming techniques.  
     A developer can quickly and easily create a user interface, then 
     write the code to respond to specific events which occur as a 
     result of user input.  
 
     The integrated development environment (IDE) has sophisticated 
     editing and debugging tools which allow you to attach code 
     quick to the interface created for each event which is applicable 
     for any type of object on the interface.  
 
     Currently, there are two different "flavors" of Visual Basic. The 
     original language was developed for Windows (often abbreviated 
     'VB/Win') and will only create apps for it. Visual Basic for DOS 
     (often abbreviated 'VBDOS') came along later as the demand for 
     point-and-shoot applications grew. The two flavors are similar 
     in programming techniques (they both use event-driven 
     subroutines), however they remain vastly different products.  
 
III. What's the difference between VB/Win & VBDOS? 
 
     VB/Win gives you the capability of creating applications which 
     run in Windows, while VBDOS gives you the ability to develop 
     apps which do not need Windows to run and run in text mode 
     using the extended character set to give the user the feeling of 
     a graphical environment, while still remaining in a text mode.  
 
     VB/Win applications are compiled into a pseudo-code (p-code) 
     file with an "EXE" extension.  When run, the p-code file accesses 
     a run-time Dynamic Linked Library (DLL) (VBRUNx00.DLL) which 
     interprets the p-code into Windows(tm) Aplication Programming 
     Interface (API) instructions.  VB/Win cannot create a stand- 
     alone application (i.e. an executable which does not need the 
     VBRUNx00.DLL.).  Currently, applications developed using a 
     particular version of VB/Win requires the same version of the 
     run-time DLL.  Therefore, a VB application developed in VB/Win 
     version 3.0 will only work if the run-time DLL VBRUN300.DLL is 
     installed in either the WINDOWS or SYSTEM directories. 
 
     VBDOS can create both types of applications. Those that require 
     a run-time module, or those that are a stand-alone .exe file. 
 
IV.  What are the features of the Professional vs. the Standard 
     editions of the VB products? 
 
     A. VB/Win 
 
        Both editions (version 3.0) include all of the basic graphic 
        primitives (controls) that make Windows(tm) such a nice 
        Graphical User Interface (GUI) to work with, such as: text 
        boxes, message boxes, drop-down menus, combo boxes, 
        Multiple Document Interface, File controls, etc.  Version 3.0 
        added database capabilities by tying into the Microsoft 
        Access database engine (a DLL that handles all the actual 
        database file manipulation). 
      
        The Professional Edition includes: more reference materials 
        (manuals, Knowledge Base, Windows API information, etc.), 
        more extensive database capabilities (ability to create 
        databases), additional controls for serial port 
        communications, masked text boxes, 3D "sculpted" 
        controls, etc., Pen API support, and more!  Serious 
        programmers and developers would be best served by the 
        professional edition.  Most VB/Win users on the 
        comp.lang.basic.visual newsgroup feel that the added 
        features of the Professional Edition make it well worth the 
        extra cost.  The Standard Edition is sufficient for small 
        and fairly simple programs and "hobby" programmers.  
        Since Microsoft offers an upgrade path from the Standard 
        to the Professional Edition, those who aren't sure they 
        need the Professional Edition can start with the Standard 
        Edition and move up when they're ready. 
      
      
     B. VBDOS 
 
        Both version of VBDOS load and run all existing QBasic and 
        QuickBasic programs. With little or no effort, your QBasic 
        and QuickBasic programs can use the compiler in Visual 
        Basic for MSDOS to take advantage of optimized code 
        generation and greater string capacity. The professional 
        edition has the capability of loading and running Basic PDS 
        programs designed for MS-DOS.  
 
        Both editions of VBDOS allow you to incrementally add 
        forms, dialog boxes, and controls to existing applications 
 
 
        The Professional editions of VBDOS includes 286 and 
        386/486 specific code generation in its native code 
        compiler. Also included is a high-speed alternate floating- 
        point math library. The MOVE Overlay technology found in 
        MS C/C++ 7.0 allows compiled programs to be up to 16MB! 
        Also included is the MS Source Profiler which allows you to 
        fine tune your applications, stub files which allow you to 
        remove run-time functionality your program does not use. 
        The Professional edition also includes a powerful ISAM 
        (Indexed Sequential Access Method) Database engine for 
        developing database applications which can use database 
        files up to 128MB. 
 
 
        Here are the additional features you will find in the 
        professional edition of Visual Basic for MS-DOS:  
 
        Feature                   Notes 
        ----------------------------------------------------- 
        Help toolkit              create on-line help 
        Setup toolkit             create distribution disks 
        CodeView debugger         version 4.02 
        Financial toolkit         functions from Microsoft Excel 
        Present. graphics kit     make charts and graphs 
        Matrix math toolkit       matrix operations 
        Create custom controls    requires MS MASM 
        Create custom rtms        Put your modules into RTM. 
        Microsoft mouse driver    version 8.2a 
            (NOTE: RTM = Runtime Module) 
         
V.   What to do BEFORE you post.  
 
     First, consult the manuals included with Visual Basic.  The 
     manuals *generally* do a good job explaining most of the basics 
     of Visual Basic.  Expect to be flamed if you post a question to 
     the newsgroup that is plainly answered in the manual!  
 
     Second, check the Knowledge Base (KB). The Knowledge Base is a 
     file that documents many of the most common problems / bugs 
     / questions that the VB technical support folks at Microsoft 
     have encountered. The Knowledge Base comes standard with the 
     Professional Edition, but Standard Edition users can get a copy 
     of the Knowledge Base via ftp (see section VII), CompuServe, 
     America On-line, or your local BBS. The file *should* be named 
     something like "vbkb". 
 
     Third, check the FAQ.  Since you are reading this document, I 
     don't think much needs to be said here.  As a side note: PLEASE, 
     encourage those who post frequently asked questions which are 
     covered in this document to get and read the FAQ!  If we don't, 
     people will just keep posting those same questions over and 
     over.  Help us break this cycle of over-dependency on 
     knowledgeable and kind-hearted newsgroup users. 
 
     Forth, thoroughly test the problem you are encountering.  You 
     are more apt to get some useful help if you can speak 
     intelligently about the problem you are having and what you 
     have done to try and fix or get around the problem. 
 
     Finally, post to the COMP.LANG.BASIC.VISUAL newsgroup.  Helping 
     each other with Visual Basic problems and questions is a lot 
     about what this newsgroup is about.  If you've done your 
     homework, you will probably be met with helpful responses to 
     your inquiry.  Since both VB/Win and VBDOS users read this 
     newsgroup, please prefix the subject line of your post with a 
     note that indicates which type of VB you're using (i.e. "Subject: 
     [VB/Win] Problem with DoEvents", "Subject: [VBDOS] Question on 
     ISAM parameters"). 
  
VI.  What are some good 3rd party books to learn vb? 
     We (the editors) have compiled a list of various books which 
     cover a wide range of VB/Win subjects. Many of the books are 
     personal reccommendations from various people on the net. The 
     remaining books came from a keyword search of 'VISUAL' at the 
     internet site BOOKS.COM. This site can be used to purchase 
     books via credit card or you can use their database of books to 
     find information as I have done. A complete list can be found at 
     the end of this document.  
 
VII. What are some other VB resources and where can I get them? 
     The Knowledge Base (often abbreviated 'KB') is a file that 
     documents many of the most common problems, bugs, 
     questions, tips, fixes and work-arounds that the VB technical 
     support folks at Microsoft have encountered.  The KB comes 
     standard with the Professional Edition, but Standard Edition 
     users can get a copy of the Knowledge Base via ftp (see section 
     VIII), CompuServe, America On-line, or perhaps even your local 
     BBS.  Many answers to common VB problems can be found in the 
     KB.  This file is a must-have! 
     Visual Basic Tips and Tricks is a compilation of useful VB code 
     examples, a listing of the latest VB file versions and dates, and 
     other useful information that isn't in the Knowledge Base.  VB 
     Tips and Tricks is a Windows help file put together by Dave 
     McCarter of DPM Computer Solutions.  It can be found at many 
     places (including ftp.cica.indiana.edu) as "VBTIPSxx.ZIP", where 
     xx is the version number (larger numbers represent newer 
     versions).  It is updated on a monthly basis. 
 
VIII.   Where can I get good Public domain, shareware, or freeware 
        software for VB? 
     A. FTP 
     VB/windows ftp sites: 
     --------------------- 
     ftp.cica.indiana.edu:/pub/pc/win3/programr/vbasic 
        Best/largest source for Visual Basic files, utilities, example 
        programs, VBXs, etc. 
 
     ftp.microsoft.com: 
        Microsoft's anonymous ftp site.  There is a lot on this site 
        so look around.  Here are some of the more useful 
        directories: 
        /Softlib/MSLFILES 
            Get the Knowledge Base for VB here!  VBKB.EXE (929K) 
            is the regular KB in windows help format. 
            VBKB_FT.EXE (2,563K)is the same as VBKB.EXE but 
            with text searching added.  Lot's of other good files 
            in this directory. 
        /MSDN 
            Contains LOTS of Windows programming files and 
            examples!  Get the index file MSDN-IDX.ZIP for a 
            description of the files in this directory.  Suggestion: 
            search the index file for the text "Visual Basic". 
        /MSDN/VBTECH 
            VB specific files. 
        /DEVTOOLS/LANG/VB/PUBLIC 
            Misc. VB files and updates.                           
 
     B. BBS 
 
     The Centre Programmers Unit a public BBS in Bellefonte, PA, 
     which caters to programmers and UNIX users.  This board has a 
     fairly large-sized BASIC file section, with some Visual BASIC files 
     uploaded from users, and culled from various FTP sites.  VB 
     users are welcome.  The phone number is 814-353-0566.  The 
     system is up 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and has a  USR Dual 
     Standard (14.4HST/V.32bis) online.  There is no charge for 
     access,  but a file upload/download ratio is enforced. 
      
     C. Compuserve 
        Compuserve does have a fairly active basic forum. To acces 
        this forum, type GO MSBASIC. Microsoft employees have 
        been known to frequent this forum. May be useful for 
        those last ditch pleas for some useful tidbit of 
        information. 
 
        Some Useful files in the MSBASIC forum: 
        - VBBK05.ZIP:  List of books/mags dealing with VB. 
        - MLIST4.ZIP:  Multi-column listbox. No 64K limit.  
 
     D. America On-Line 
        America On-Line has a good selection of VB files and an 
        active message area for discussing Visual Basic. 
 
IX.  Specific Question and Answer sections 
     A. VB/Win - refer to the post titled: "comp.lang.basic.visual 
        VB/Win Frequently Asked Questions". 
 
     B. VBDOS - refer to the post titled: "comp.lang.basic.visual 
        VB/DOS Frequently Asked Questions". 
 
X.   Appendix for FAQ POST #1 
     ======================== 
     BOOK LIST for VB/Win 
     ======================== 
 
     ---From: ian@monty.demon.co.uk (Ian Piper) 
 
        Here, in descending order of usefulness (in my own 
        personal opinion) are the VB books I use the most: 
 
      c Programmers guide to the Windows API, by 
        Daniel Appleman. ISBN1-56276-073-4. If you only want to 
        get one book on VB, this is the one. It covers the ground 
        from simple to advanced programming very well.  
 
        2. The Waite Group's VB How-To, several authors, ISBN 
        1-878739-09-3. This is the ISBN number for version 1 - I 
        think it's been updated by now. Lots of examples to 
        demonstrate each point. This is a close second. 
 
        3. Visual Basic Utilities, by Paul Bonner, ISBN 
        1-56276-106-4. This has some excellent learning stuff in 
        it and also some advanced stuff, including how to write 
        your own DLLs (!) using GFA-BASIC. 
 
        4. Fun programming with VB, several authors, ISBN 
        1-56529-106-9. This uses a half-dozen or so projects to 
        illustrate how various programmers designed and built 
        apps using VB. 
 
        5. Windows 3.1 programming for mere mortals, by Woody 
        Leonhard, ISBN 0-201-60832-4. This covers VB and 
        WordBasic. Some very neat examples. 
 
     ---From: tivadar@interaccess.com (John Quarto-vonTivadar) 
 
        I found the following VERY useful, to the point that I don't 
        even use the manuals anymore: 
 
        6. The Visual Guide to Visual Basic for Windows, by Richard 
        Mansfield, published by Ventura Press. This is a 
        encyclopedia of the language itself. It supposes that you 
        DO know how to program so basically (if you pardon the 
        pun) it's a guide to VB's slang. I use this for referencing 
        the grammar when i get a bug. 
 
     ---From: idavidson@csu.edu.au (Ian Davidson) 
 
        7. Visual Basic How-To, Robert Arnson, Daniel Rosen, Mitch 
        Waite &  Jonathon Zuck: The Waite Group, 1992.  ISBN 
        1-878739-09-3.  Includes  disk.  Many practical examples 
        & some sample custom controls.Introduces & expands on 
        the use of API's.  An excellent book suitable for Beginners 
        thru Advanced - one of my most-often-used  references. 
 
        8. Learn Programming and Visual Basic with John Socha, 
        John Socha:  Sybex, 1992.  ISBN 0-7821-1057-6.  Includes 
        disk.  A useful introduction for absolute beginner 
        programmers thru intermediate. 
 
     ---From EDITOR:  
        The following books were those I found using a keyword 
        search of 'VISUAL' at the internet site BOOKS.COM. This site 
        can be used to purchase books via credit card or you can 
        use their database of books to find information as I have 
        done.  
 
        Author   : Nelson, Ross 
        Title    : The Microsoft VB for Windows Primer 
        ISBN     : 1556154771 Dewey #  : 005.10 
        Publisher: Microsoft Pr    Date Pub : 11/92 
      
        Author   : Orvis, William 
        Title    : Do It Yourself Visual Basic for Windows 
        ISBN     : 0672302594 Dewey #  : 005.10 
        Publisher: Sams       Date Pub : 11/92 
      
        Author   : Cornell, Gary 
        Title    : Visual Basic for Windows Inside and Out 
        ISBN     : 0078819318 Dewey #  : 005.10 
        Publisher: Osborne McGraw Hill  
        Date Pub : 01/93 
      
        Author   : Craig, John Clark 
        Title    : Microsoft VB Workshop/Book and Disk 
        ISBN     : 1556153864 Dewey #  :   5.26 
        Publisher: Microsoft Pr    Date Pub : 09/91 
      
        Author   : Murray, William H./Pappas, Chris H. 
        Title    : Using VB : Writing Windows Apps 
        ISBN     : 0201581450 Dewey #  :   5.43 
        Publisher: Addison Wesley Pub. Co. 
        Date Pub : 01/92 
 
     ======================== 
     BOOK LIST for VBDOS 
     ======================== 
 
        Author   : Hergert, Douglas A. 
        Title    : Visual Basic Programming With DOS Applications 
                / Book and Disk 
        ISBN     : 0553370995 Dewey #  : 005.00 
        Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Pub 
        Date Pub : 07/92 

