I''ve finally decided to upgrade my ratty old MSVC 4 if I can do it reasonably (broke college student ya know) I''ve noticed that Microsoft is offering the pro version of MSVC 6 for $100 with an academic discount. I''ve heard that they like to only offer that discount before they release a new version. So, can I expect to see MSVC 7 out soon and the academic discount vanish again? On the other side, does Borland''s pro compiler offer a profiler? I haven''t noticed it mentioned anywhere and it''s a requirement for me. If it does, I might just consider buying Builder. Finally, are there any good sites that actually stay up to date on C++ compiler news, including reviews/previews? I''ve yet to find one that''s got anything new this year. Don''t go off flaming about which compiler is better, I know the drawbacks/advantages of both and either will work for me, if builder has a profiler

Microsoft might have been offering the academic discount on VC++6 as they were just about to release C#...? Dunno really.

But anyway, I was going to buy VC++6 pro on academic disount (for £80/$110) until I saw that I could get the whole of visual studio 6 pro for the same price! Bargain. I snapped it up. Even if MS do bring out VC++7 soon, you''ve just got visual studio 6 for $100!

I''m not sure if Borland''s compiler has a profiler or not (I''ve only used it a little). You can download the Borland C++ 5.5 compiler for free from www.borland.com. It''s the same compiler that''s at the heart of C++ Builder 5, so it can''t be too bad.

I''d personally go for the MS bundle though, as you get a hell of a lot for not too much cash. Of course you don''t get any manuals though.

manuals? who needs manuals when you got the MSDN

Yeah,

MSDN is my main reference now. I usually use the online help anyway, even if I do have the manual.

By buying student packages I feel I''m doing my part to save the rainforests And save money

I don''t think the Borland compiler comes with a profiler, but I could be wrong. And VC++6 has had the academic discount at $100 for a long time, so it''s not just because VS7 is about to come out. I don''t know how long it''s gonna be until it does come out though... If it''s pretty soon, you might want to wait.

ya my brother got us msvc5++ for like 50 bucks although it was just the cd with no instructions or anything but 50 bucks is cheap for college software the only thing i hate about the help is that when i want to look up something on it the minute it finds it it wants to connect to microsofts website and i dont have an internet connection on my computer. ( btw i have the modem and stuff its just that the second line is disconnected and im not gonna pay 20 bucks for a second line)