How to run VB.Net programs
The best idea right now is to get hold of the Microsoft integrated development environment for VB.Net. This system allows you to create, compile and run VB.Net programs. It is currently called Visual Basic.net Standard 2002. This is available separately from the full Visual Studio.Net, which includes VB.Net but which is much larger and much more expensive.
VB.Net is available from on-line sellers such as Amazon for about $USA 120. It is supplied on 4 CD-ROMs. (It would be more convenient on a single DVD and there are indications that this may happen.)
We are hoping that there will be a student edition made available at some time for free.
The hardware and software that VB.Net needs to run
Running VB.Net
After installation of VB.Net, Visual Studio appeared under Start - Programs. When you run it, you first have to set the My Profile screen to VB.