Thanks everyone for the info. I'm glad to hear that you're using it to program with and not having problems, Patrick.

After some research over the weekend it looks like I can use a domain's resources, just not be a part of the domain, i.e. attach with \\server\sharename, which is the way I connect now when I go on site. There's also a couple of hacks on the web to allow MCE to connect with a domain, if that was ever necessary.

I've installed sql server and VS, and everything seems to be working fine, so I'm thinking I'll stay with MCE and maybe get a little more functionality in the bargain.

Thanks for the input everyone.