The only way to do software development for SharePoint is really a Virtual Machine.
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Setting up a Local Mail Server for a SharePoint Virtual Machine on Server 2008
Setting up a Local Mail Server for a SharePoint Virtual Machine on Server 2008
Get Started Developing on SharePoint 2010
Are you an ASP.NET developer who is ready to learn more about SharePoint 2010? Visit the Getting Started page to view screencasts and hands-on labs about working with SharePoint 2010 developer features that are familiar to ASP.NET developers, such as Web Parts and workflow.
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Get Started Developing on SharePoint 2010
SharePoint 2010 – new developer training material including full virtual machine download
Lots of new SharePoint 2010 training material released in january: 2010 Information Worker Demonstration Virtual Machine (Beta) – fully functional virtual machines to demo Office 2010 and SharePoint 2010. Free E-learning: What’s new in Microsoft SharePoint 2010 for developers
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SharePoint 2010 – new developer training material including full virtual machine download
SharePoint 2010 Professional Developer Evaluation Guide
The SharePoint 2010 developer evaluation guide describes the SharePoint 2010 developer platform, including walkthroughs of some of the new capabilities for developers.
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SharePoint 2010 Professional Developer Evaluation Guide