Really, you don't need the full versions anymore if you can't afford it. Microsoft now has the Express edition software to allow you to develop in .NET.
http://www.microsoft.com/exPress/
This also includes SQL express as well.
Visual studio includes a built in web server for you to test and debug your code. I typically use it to debug, but also like to test with a local IIS version installed as well.
Personally, I find Visual Studio 1000x better for coding .NET than dreamweaver, I would suggest using it instead.
VB vs C# is the never ending debate amoungst .NET developers. Basically, VB is more like english, C# is more like Java. Both are good, pick whichever is easier for you.