Download a free copy of your C++ development environment! (Visual C++ v8.0)

Yes! Microsoft is doing the same thing as Linux: they offer their IDE for free with their fully compliant C/C++ compiler (as well as other bits if you are interested, I only want C++ on my end!)

At this time, the link is like this: ... (does not work anymore...)

It may require a bit of digging to get older versions but they should remain available. (but who wants the old stuff anyway?!)

I don't have links anymore and the one I had before doesn't work... it make still be available, but you'll have o search for it. Good luck.