Free as free in beer (err) well free software from microsoft - ntype - 11-08-2005
Microsoft Express are basically full versions of programs but with some limitations.
The good point is that they are
FREE
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/support/install/
Sql server 2005 express :
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/sql/default.aspx
Available :
Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition
Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition
Visual C# 2005 Express Edition
Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition
Visual J# 2005 Express Edition
For example as a limitation, the SQL server 2005 express edition :
1GB RAM usage maximum.
1 Processor maximum (multicore managed).
4GB total DB size maximum.