Is there anywhere I can download a trail/student version of Visual Basic 6?

Actually, Microsoft released several free IDEs for various languages, Visual Basic being one of them. They're called Express Editions, but they can do all the things that most people would want to do. Here's the link to the Visual Basic one:

http://www.microsoft.com/express/vb/default.aspx

It's not Visual Basic 6, like you're asking for, but it should let you try out your Visual Basic skills.

The others are C++, C#, and a Web Developer edition, the full list is here:

http://www.microsoft.com/express/product/default.a...

I've used the C# version extensively, and haven't had any issues with it. The goal of these was to get more people to write programs, and this really does make it easier to learn to program. Use them to create whatever software you like, there are no licensing restrictions or limits on how you use the software, see Item 7 on their FAQ:

# Can I use Express Editions for commercial use?

Yes, there are no licensing restrictions for applications built using Visual Studio Express Editions.

View the full FAQ Here:

http://www.microsoft.com/express/support/faq/

Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 Professional

Microsoft's Express editions are free, legal and for the most part, every bit as good as the ones they sell.

The licensing agreement does not let you sell programs you make with Express versions of their software, but you can make fully functional programs with it.

http://www.microsoft.com/express