2.1. Microsoft
MFC comes with Microsoft's Visual C++, Watcom's C++, and Symantec's C++ compilers.
2.1.1. Visual C++ and Visual C++ subscription.
Microsoft no longer sells subscriptions to Visual C++. However, you can get updates to it through the MSDN Universal subscription. See Section 3 for the details of what MFC release is the latest and greatest. Only major versions are sold through outlets, so if you need a point release, you need the Universal Subscription that is now done with MSDN.
Prices fluctuate, so contact one of the compiler vendors for information:
- Microsoft(800) 719-5577(206) 936-8661http://www.microsoft.com
- Watcom and Symantec carry MFC compatible VC++'s but I think you would be nearly insane to choose one of these over VC++. They tend to be behind VC++ in functionality and never seem to have the latest MFC.
There are also two programmer mail order houses that carry all of the MFC supported compilers including the Visual C++ subscription:
- Programmer's Paradise - My personal favorite.(800) 445-7899/(908) 445-7899
- The Programmer's Shop(800) 421-8006/(617) 740-2510
2.1.2. Microsoft Developers Network (MSDN)
Another great investment is the Microsoft Developers Network (MSDN), which is a quarterly subscription set of CD-ROMs that contains all of the information you can imagine about the Microsoft developer products, including MFC. There are two levels, level one gets you the CDs that have all the developer tool information. Hey - the MFC FAQ is even on there now. The MSDN options change almost monthly so instead of detailing them here, why don't you just surf on over to http://www.microsoft.com/msdn and check out what they have to say. The Universal subscription gives you the biggest bang for the buck because it sends out everything you could ever want in one affordable package.
If you are Internet challenged, you can contact MSDN at:
- (800) 759-5474
- (303) 684-0914
- [email protected]
2.1.3. Knowledge Databases
Microsoft support creates these knowledge databases that answer frequently asked questions and sometimes have samples and stuff. You can get the knowledge databases from ftp.microsoft.com, CompuServe, and they come on the MSDN (see section 2.1.2 above) CD-ROMs.
There's a tool that lets you quickly search these. Whenever I've tried to find something here, I always end up with MFC 1.0 information that's not very useful. Your mileage may vary.
Is the URL that I use, change the product to Visual C++ and party on!
2.1.4. Microsoft Software Library
Microsoft maintains a giant library of samples, tools, and demos called the Microsoft Software Library. Here's how to find it on the various electronic media :
- CompuServe - GO MSL
- Microsoft Download Service (MSDL) Dial (206) 936-6735 to connect to MSDL
- Internet (anonymous FTP) ftp://ftp.microsoft.com. Change to the SOFTLIB\MSLFILES directory.
John Elsbree, [email protected], programmer.misc, 6/24/95