Scott Hanselman's ComputerZen.com

Since I've been working at Microsoft, I've had a chance to make some new friends. Perhaps you know them?

Come to a VS2008 InstallFest - ask your local MSFT Wonk where yours is - and get a free copy of VS2008Pro. If you've got Beta 2 installed, remove it first.

From TimH: "We're providing a location, install dvd's (these will be evals because the finals aren't pressed yet), and food/drinks.  this will be a good time to get some questions answered, get vs 2008 installed, play around, and hang out with your peers.  each registered and attended individual will receive a special code to receive the fully-licensed visual studio 2008 professional copy sent to them when the full package product is available to ship."

Bring your laptop and install here. No downloading. You'll get a trial version that'll get you through to the final version that will be shipped to you for free. Slick.

Here's the link to the Portland Visual Studio 2008 InstallFest hosted by PADNUG, and there are others all over, and I'm sure more will be announced. I'll try to find a Master List.

The events in the West of the US are:

• 4 DEC: Portland, OR - register here
• 5 DEC: Irvine, CA - register here (full - get on the wait list which is also almost "sold" out)
• 6 DEC: Boise, ID - register here
• 11 DEC: Olympia, WA - register here
• 12 DEC: Spokane Valley, WA - register here
• 12 DEC: Denver, CO - register here (a few slots from full, waiting list started)
• 13 DEC: Mountain View, CA - register here
• 20 DEC: Phoenix, AZ - registration TBD (pending location confirmation of venue)

Register NOW to get your spot ASAP. I'm going to talk to the wife and see if she'll trade me a "night out with the nerds" (as she calls them) for her night out with the girls.