I am looking at DNN.  I develope VS08/VB.net windows apps, and want to do more with the web, but find VS08 very difficult for simple projects.  It would seem to me that DNN gives me the best of both worlds, simple projects via point and click, but still able to extend it with VS 08 code if needed.

So, is my understanding correct:  You can use a DNN hosting company, that has the one click install.  After hosting company install, you can then simply point and click to create a web.  You don't need to download DNN to you local computer for this (I am use the model of create a web on the computer and then uploading it to hosting).  DNN can be developed via a browser to the hosting compay (not talking about VS08 extension here).

Is that right?

THanks

bob

(...adding to Tony's response...)

If you are developing (programming code) to be run in DNN, you should set up a local copy to create and test your code in the form of a DNN "module".  When complete, you package up your custom module for deployment to your live (hosted) copy of DNN.

If you are not programming custom code for DNN but rather are creating content using existing DNN modules, you can forgo creating a local copy of DNN (though it's still a good idea to have one to try out new modules before putting them on your live site).
 

NOTE:  Some "one-button" DNN deployments offered by hosting companies come with serious restrictions such as not having full control to upgrade the version of DNN or add third-party modules (example: use of a MySQL DAL instead of SQL Server), directly access the DB, etc.  Be sure to read the fine print on any "one-button-deployment" DNN hosting solutions.

 
Cheers!
-mamlin