Small Basic 1.1 is here!

Starting last year, we began the journey of continuing development on Microsoft Small Basic. It's a new team assembled across Microsoft in a new world of devices and platforms.

As you can imagine, we're taking one step at a time. This is not a large step, but it's an important step. Please join us in trying out Small Basic 1.1, and post your feedback in the comments below!

 

We now offer two choices for downloading Microsoft Small Basic:

  • Small Basic 1.1 - If you're using Windows 7 / Windows Vista or newer operating systems
  • Small Basic 1.0 - If you're using Windows XP or prior operating systems

 

Microsoft Small Basic 1.1

Small Basic 1.1 is upgraded to .NET Framework 4.5, and it includes a fix to the Flickr API bug (1.0-17). It is compatible with Windows 10 Tech Preview, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Vista. If you have Windows XP, you'll need to download Small Basic 1.0. Any extensions built for Small Basic 1.0 will need to be rebuilt on Small Basic 1.1. You have two options to download:

  • Direct English Download - After you download and run the MSI file, the other languages are still available through the English installation wizard.
  • Download Center Page - You can directly select and download your language from this page. You'll also see more information about what's new. 

 You can also find the release information in the Microsoft Small Basic 1.1 Release Notes.

 

Microsoft Small Basic 1.0

Small Basic 1.0 is compatible with Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. and older operating systems. It requires .NET Framework 3.5 SP1. It does not include the Flickr API fix in Small Basic 1.1. You have two options to download:

  • Direct English Download  - After you download and run the MSI file, the other languages are available through the English installation wizard.
  • Download Center Page  - You can find more information about the installation. (The only language option is English.)

 

What's New in Microsoft Small Basic 1.1

New Updates

  • NET Framework 4.5 - We upgraded to .NET Framework 4.5 from 3.5 SP1. Although this causes some breaking changes (see below), it's necessary in order to build out new objects that take advantage of new devices, operating systems, and capabilities.

  • Modernized UX: Controls - The design of the program controls (button, scroll bar, arrows on the control bar) in the GraphicsWindow is now flat (modernized). And the window title font is also updated.

  • Language Downloads - You can now directly download your language from the Download Center. See the Download Center Page .

Bug Fixes

  • Flickr Object (1.0-17)  - Flickr changed their API, which broke the Flickr Object. This has been fixed for Small Basic 1.1.

Breaking Changes

  • Windows XP - Due to the upgrade to .NET Framework 4.5, Small Basic 1.1 does not work on Windows XP and older operating systems. We will continue to offer Small Basic 1.0 for users of Windows XP and older operating systems.
  • 1.0 Extensions - All extensions built for Small Basic 1.0 will need to be recompiled on Small Basic 1.1 and re-released.

Other Changes

  • We're experimenting with modernizing the graphics. Currently it affected the installation wizard, with some temporary modernized images. These will be updated again in future releases.

System Requirements

  • Supported Operating Systems:  

    Windows 10 Tech Preview, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista, Mini-Mac (Windows 8.1 / Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac / Mac OS X Yosemite), Lifebook (see installation instructions)

  • .Net Framework 4.5: Required for Windows 7 and Windows Vista. It comes installed with Windows 8 and newer.

Installation Instructions

  1. If you have Small Basic 1.0 installed, uninstall it. You'll need to delete all the files in the "smallbasic" folder.
    • NOTE: If you previously set your web browser to block the "C:\Users\xxx\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft" folder, you'll need to remove that block.
  2. Download and Install Microsoft Small Basic in your preferred language.
  3. Launch by clicking the Microsoft Small Basic program shortcut.

    

Thank you for joining us in our Small Basic journey. We've come a long way, but as you can see, we're just getting started!

Small and Basically yours,

   - Ninja Ed

  

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