Martin and others,

>For any hardcode, Windows-based developer, MSDN is a must (if you can afford it).

I agree. BTW, for anyone considering developing a retail product that supports the Windows platform, take a look at the Empower program. If you can meet the requirements as an ISV, you get one year of MSDN for just $375.

http://members.microsoft.com/partner/isv/empower/default.aspx