Beginning Visual Basic introduces the world of computer programming by providing an interactive, self-paced tutorial to the Visual Basic programming language and environment. The approach to a Visual Basic application are explained in step-by-step, simple, easy-to-follow terms. Ten plain-English lessons explain the toolbox, event procedures, and many elements of the BASIC computer language. Numerous examples are used to demonstrate every step in the application building process. The tutorial also includes several computer projects for you to build and try. These projects illustrate practical applications of Visual Basic, including loan calculators, graphics programs, and even a simple video game!
Beginning Visual Basic is presented using a combination of over 350 pages of course notes (written in Microsoft Word format) and many Visual Basic examples and projects.
Course Prerequisites:
To use Beginning Visual Basic, you should be comfortable working within the Windows environment, knowing how to find files, move windows, resize windows, etc. No programming experience is needed. You will also need the ability to view and print documents saved in Microsoft Word for Windows 95 format. This can be accomplished in one of two ways. The first, and easiest, is that you already have Microsoft Word for Windows 95 (or a compatible equivalent) on your computer. The second way is that you can download Word Viewer for Windows 95. This is a free Microsoft product that allows viewing and printing Word documents - it is available for download at all the major shareware internet sites (ZDNet, Download.Com, SoftSeek).
Finally, and most obvious, you need to have Microsoft Visual Basic. Visual Basic is a separate product that must be purchased if you do not have it. This course is generic for the most part. The tutorial can be completed using any edition (Learning, Standard, Professional, Enterprise) of Visual Basic 4.0 (32 bit version), Visual Basic 5.0, or the newest Visual Basic 6.0. Older versions of Visual Basic can be purchased at low prices from used software stores and on-line auction sites. The newer versions can be purchased at software stores (in your area or on-line) and at auction sites. If you are a student, try finding academic versions.
Installing Beginning Visual Basic:
The course notes and code for the shareware version of Beginning Visual Basic are included in one single ZIP file. Use your favorite 'unzipping' application to write all files to your computer. The course is included in the folder entitled BeginVBSW. This folder contains two other folders: BVBNotes and BVBProjects.
The BVBNotes folder includes all the notes needed for the class. Each file in this folder has a DOC extension and is in Word for Windows 95 format. The files are:
StartHere.doc This file in Word format
Contents.doc Course Table of Contents
Class1.doc Class 1. Introducing Visual Basic
Class2.doc Class 2. The Visual Basic Environment
Class3.doc Class 3. Your First Visual Basic Project
Class4.doc Class 4. Project Design, Forms, Command Buttons
Class5.doc Class 5. Labels, Text Boxes, Variables
Class6.doc* Class 6. Scroll Bars, Decisions, Random Numbers
Class7.doc* Class 7. Icons, Frames, Check Boxes, Option Buttons
Class8.doc* Class 8. Picture Boxes, Mouse Events
Class9.doc* Class 9. Game Design, Lines, Shapes, Images
Class10.doc* Class 10. Timers, Keyboard Events
Appendix.doc* Appendix. Other Projects to Try
(Files marked with a * are not included with the shareware version). The BVBProjects folder includes all the Visual Basic projects developed during the course. This folder has three other folders: VB4Projects, VB5Projects, and VB6Projects. Use the one corresponding to your version of Visual Basic.
How To Take the Course:
Beginning Visual Basic is a self-paced course. The suggested approach is to do one class a week for ten weeks. Each week's class should require about 3 to 6 hours of your time to grasp the concepts completely. Prior to doing a particular week's work, open the class notes file for that week and print it out. Then, work through the notes at your own pace. Try to do each example as it is encountered in the notes. Work through the projects in Classes 3 through 10. If you need any help, all completed projects are included in the BVBCode folder.
What If You Have Questions?
It is recognized there may be times when you need clarification on some point about the notes, examples, or Visual Basic. We will gladly help. The preferred method of relaying your questions to us is via E-Mail. The E-Mail address is:
KIDware@jetcity.com
Please include a clearly defined subject for all questions to get past our anti-spamming filters. All questions should be sent to the attention of Lou.
Who Produces Beginning Visual Basic?
This course has been developed by Lou Tylee, a partner in KIDware, a producer of quality children's educational programs for over 15 years. The course notes have evolved based on Lou's experience in writing children's software. KIDware may be contacted via:
KIDware
15600 NE 8th, Suite B1-314
Bellevue, WA 98008
(206) 721-2556
FAX (425) 746-4655
E-Mail: KIDware@jetcity.com
Web Site: http://www.jetcity.com/~kidware
Shareware Version of Beginning Visual Basic
Beginning Visual Basic is distributed under the shareware concept. You get to try the course free-of-charge. If you find it doesn't meet your needs, simple erase the files from your computer. If, however, you find the course useful, you are asked to pay for it. The current registration fee is US$19.95 (shipping included). The shareware version includes the first five weeks of the course. Upon registration, you will be sent (it can be e-mailed if desired) the complete 10 week course, with all notes and all applications. Examine the Contents.doc file to get a flavor for what each week's class entails.
To register your version of Beginning Visual Basic, simply fill in the form on the next page and mail, E-mail or FAX it to KIDware. A portion of all registration fees is donated to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington.
REGISTRATION FORM - BEGINNING VISUAL BASIC, VERSION 1.0
BEGINNING VISUAL BASIC is offered as shareware. This means you get to try the course free of charge. If you use the course, however, you are asked to pay for it. The registration fee is just $19.95 (add $1.70 sales tax if resident of Washington and $2.00 postage if outside the US or Canada). Upon receipt of your registration fee, you will be sent (e-mailed, if desired) the complete 10 week course, with all notes and code. A portion of the fee is donated to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. All information on this form will only be used by KIDware.
Name ___________________________________________________
