This weekend I downloaded the .NET 2.0 framework and the SDK. I think I will install the new SharpDevelop on my home machine for now and then install Visual Studio a little later. I am looking forward to playing around with the new System.IO.Ports namespace.

If you have some free time, check out the .NET Nuggets videos that show some of the new featues and give a good introduction/demo. I watched the Generics one today.

If you are a developer and want to make an easy $100 US go sign up at Microsoft Research. They end up sending out periodic emails to you which in turn ask you to go take a short questionnaire. If your answers to the questionnaire match what they are looking for they send you an email asking you to participate in a forum.

I ended up getting selected on Thursday for a Windows Mobile Development forum. They asked me 15 questions on Windows Mobile development and now they are going to send me a cheque for $100 US. In all the whole process took about 15 minutes.