>>>>Thanks for the reference. Well, about the cost: usually, in developing countries, whether programming on their own or for a company, people usually look for free solutions... I have long ago given up hope, although I still try to convince my boss, to purchase some urgently needed software.

I do understand the issue, but IMHO if your boss does not see the need to provide you with the proper tools to do your job, improve the quality of your product, and your productivity, then why worry? Just make them understand that you tried to explain the need - assuming you presented a good business case for that need.

Their responsibility as employers is to give you the tools you need. They should not expect a mechanic to work without a wrench. And if the newest Japanese model car shows up for repair and you do not have the new type of wrench need, does your boss simply ignore the problem and pass on the job? That is basically what happens when you do not have the correct tool for the job, be it VFP8, VS .Net or XCase...