One of the main tools I use to do my job is Microsoft Visual Studio to develop C++ programs.  I am working on an Open Source project with some buddies.  It really kind of defeats the spirit of open source to do development using closed source tools like those available from Microsoft, so i have decided to make the leap (for my home projects) to the Eclipse CDT tool that is sponsored by IBM.  It is not as capable as Microsoft’s tools yet, but it appears to be moving very fast.  I am going to try to do an easy little program first before I jump into the main project.  This is fun stuff for me, but I do not have that much time for it with homeschool, work, and other responsibilities.  I will try to post a little on how it is going for me here.