If you are a .NET developer and you haven't downloaded the VB.NET Resource Kit or the ASP.NET Resource Kit, then download them now.  Let me say it again.  Download them NOW.  NOW!!!  Have you downloaded them yet?  Okay, I concede that it takes a while.

Here's why: I write most of my code in C#, but that doesn't stop me from using the free .NET controls that come with the VB.NET Resource Kit, such as ComponentOne Studio Enterprise and Infragistics UltraWebNavigator.  See the DHTML menu used on this site?  That's the UltraWebNavigator.  Not only does it do menus, but it also includes an awesome tree control that I use on a lot of administration pages.  The ASP.NET Resource Kit includes Infragistics UltraWebGrid, and Telerik's r.a.d. rotator control. I haven't done the math, but my guess is the kits have well over $1,000 in free controls.  Not to mention all the source code, training materials, book chapters, white papers, and stuff like that.  Let me say it again, this time like Dave Ramsey.  It's FUHHHH-RRREEEEE.