The real gem in getting started with MSVC# 2008 Express is working with O'Reilly's Head First C# text . Although I'm only 60 page in, I find the book amazing and it's gotten me using the tools right away. The book had a good chapter on developing windows forms and linking to an SQL database. I worked concurrently with the book however to make the most of it I substituted my own project in place of the books example. I created a New Customer registration form and database for Sublime. It was a fairly decent rough draft. The project also helped demystify SQL database linking.
I'm focusing on efficiency -- concurrently working on the development as I learn/self-train. Taking an opportunity to convert a learning/training example to something tangible to my game development is a big bonus.
So far I'm also getting quick and adequate programming experience while editing C# code after the repetitive bulk has been built via the toolboxes.
Overall I'm buzzing with enthusiasm for the development project and especially pleased with my choices in literature/development direction so far.
