Ok, this may be the dumbest question ever, but I swear I searched for the answer and don't know what to do.
I need to install Visual Studio 2008. The free version. I need it in order to compile something.
Microsoft has a download page http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=7873 with a big red "download" button. This button then proceeds to download a powerpoint file. No info under "install instructions"
I have found other links that show you how to install it, but assuming that you've already got whatever it is that needs to be downloaded.
I've also found a couple of random sites where I can download it, but don't know for sure if I can trust these sites.
EDIT: I am also not having any luck finding visual studio express 2008. MS has links for 2012.
Visual Studio 2008: (3,30 GB) http://download.microsoft.com/download/8/1/d/81d3f35e-fa03-485b-953b-ff952e402520/VS2008ProEdition90dayTrialENUX1435622.iso
To upgrade from trial version to Pro version, check: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms246600%28VS.80%29.aspx