Visual Basic (VB) is a programming language, as is C++. VB derives from BASIC. C++ derives from C. Essentially that's all there is to it - VB is generally seen as an easier language to learn, C++ is considered a more powerful language to achieve certain tasks. For example, you won't see many fast-action games written in VB, but you will see them in C++. However, for most intents and purposes it really is up to the programmer's preference. Visual Studio is an application you use when you are creating a Visual Basic or C++ program - it provides a nice graphical interface for laying out the form, intellisense-enabled code windows etc. It is not a language in itself. (You don't have to use it - you *can* write the code using Notepad - but I wouldn't recommend it.) Visual Basic Pro and Enterprise are essentially the same thing, the difference being you get more tools and utilities etc with Enterprise. (It's like buying Office Standard or Office Professional) For a feature comparison by edition see: http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/previous/vb6/datasheet/feature.aspx However, remember that this is now all superseded by .NET. You can now use Visual Studio.NET to create a VB.NET or a C#.NET (C#, pronounced 'C-Sharp', is a newer version of C++) application. The difference being now that both languages compile down to the same thing so the speed/functionality differences between them in the past are no longer an issue - you can simply choose which language you like programming in.