] The Express products are an expansion of the Visual
] Studio product line to include lightweight, easy to use,
] and easy to learn tools for hobbyists, enthusiasts, and
] students who want to build dynamic Windows applications,
] Web sites, and Web services.
]

Ok, I think its safe to assume Microsoft is concerned about the rise of Linux. So how does this help Microsoft combat Linux? Simple, developers! (x4). In any Linux Distro you have everything you need to make Linux software. You have several good compilers, revision control software, and IDEs. I write Linux software because, a) I like Linux and its what I use, and b) developing software for it is trival. However I would port my software to Windows because I want people to use it, and I know more people use windows than Linux. Thus, by Microsoft making a "lite" developement software thats free to download, I can add a Windows version and it doesn't really cost me. Microsoft trying to shoot Linux' legs out from under it, by trying to reduce the number of quality, free programs that are exclusive to Linux.

They are also trying to hook new hobbists, etc into their .NET bullshit. Its like Gates donating all that money to India.