One of the smartest things I ever did was take a class in Visual Basic. Yes, I know, C, C+ and C++ are faster or more elegant languages and there are a whole host of languages and compilers that a free for the download, but I use VB because I work in the Microsoft Office environment and VB is the most versatile language to learn as it integrates with just about anything in the Office Suite of applications.
    Here are a few "Home Rolled" applications that fit a need I had.  They are posted here under the terms of the general public license and in some cases I have included the source code. Use them at your own risk and enjoy.