Hi,

I am a reasonably proficient power user wanting to dive in to building my own website. I don't mind getting in deep but I am not entirely sure of what I'm diving into. So far I have downloaded onto my XP Pro SP2 system the .Net Framework 2.0, SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition and all the latest updates to everything. I am wanting to build 4 business websites on my computer (for my real estate and other businesses) and then send them to an external DNN host when they are at a presentable stage. I am a very fussy individual who prefers to take the time to get something looking and working just as I want it, however I am also very busy. My real estate website will be a medium size medium complexity site. I am not a "typical" real estate agent and will not be surprised if I can't find 3rd party real estate modules I like (but I'm hoping). Some of the following questions might be better in another of your forums for which I apologise but some are directly relevant to this one. I also apologise for the vagueness but I am still at the vague stage. If anyone wishes to respond I would be most appreciative.

1. I am unsure whether, if I change my mind after the event about which DNN install suits me best, I can easily change from one type of installation to another.

2. It is not clear to me how restrictive in broad terms the DNN core (and available modules I might like) is and hence whether I should even consider either a source download and/or adding VS2005 or the Express version to overcome those restrictions (thereby adding a lot to the learning curve I know). For example would doing stuff the "hard way" in DNN be easier than attacking the bigger learning curve?  What extra (other than more powerful and extensive code creation capabilities) I would get by having VS2005 (or the Express version)?

3. It is not clear to me if I should be downloading any of the other DNN 4.3 downloads other than the Source / Install / Starter Pack one. (I typically download everything and end up using everything). It is also not clear to me whether I *must* download the Starter Pack version if I have VS2005 or the Express version, and what difference it makes if I don't.

4. I don't understand in broad terms how VS2005 (or the Express version) would work with DNN and how one might enhance the other (and if there are any differences in that respect between VS2005 & Express).

5. I don't know if the Express version of VS would work with the Developer Edition of SQL 2005.

TIA

Phil Hassid