En realidad si que importa. Cada nueva versión de Visual Studio añade modificaciones mejoradas en el empleo de sintaxis de C#/VB.NET. Dichas mejores evidentemente son incompatibles en versiones anteriores de Visual Studio.

Por ejemplo en VB.NET 14.0 (Visual Studio 2015) se pueden especificar strings multi linea lieterales, mientras que en las versioens anteriores de VB.NET, no.

VB.NET 14.0:

        Dim json = "{
  'Name': 'Bad Boys',
  'ReleaseDate': '1995-4-7T00:00:00',
  'Genres': ['Action','Comedy']
}"

El codigo de arriba daria error de compilación en versiones anteriores de VB.NET/VS. Habría que hacerlo más o menos así:

        Dim json = "{" & Environment.NewLine &
"  'Name': 'Bad Boys'," & Environment.NewLine &
"  'ReleaseDate': '1995-4-7T00:00:00'," & Environment.NewLine &
"  'Genres': ['Action','Comedy']" & Environment.NewLine &
"}"

Los snippets que compartí en este hilo fueron desarrollados bajo VS2013, y algunos en VS2015.

PD: Como ya dije, C# también tiene sus mejoras.

¡Saludos!

¿Cómo determinar cual es la versión más reciente instalada de .NET Framework en la máquina actual?.

Aquí les dejo el código fuente completo:

''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <summary>
''' Determines which is the most recent version of the .NET Framework runtimes installed on the current machine.
''' </summary>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <example> This is a code example.
''' <code>
''' Dim frameworkVersion As Version = GetMostRecentInstalledFrameworkVersion()
''' Console.WriteLine(frameworkVersion.ToString())
''' </code>
''' </example>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <remarks>
''' Credits to Microsoft: <see href="http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh925568(v=vs.110).aspx"/>
''' </remarks>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <returns>
''' The resulting .NET Framework <see cref="Version"/>.
''' </returns>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<DebuggerStepperBoundary>
Private Shared Function GetMostRecentInstalledFrameworkVersion() As Version
 
    ' .NET 4.5, 4.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.6, 4.6.1
    Using ndpKey As RegistryKey =
        RegistryKey.OpenBaseKey(RegistryHive.LocalMachine, RegistryView.Registry32).
                    OpenSubKey("SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full\", writable:=False)
 
        If (ndpKey IsNot Nothing) AndAlso (ndpKey.GetValue("Release") IsNot Nothing) Then
            Dim releaseVersion As Integer = CInt(ndpKey.GetValue("Release"))
            Select Case releaseVersion
                Case >= 394254
                    Return New Version(4, 6, 1)
                Case >= 393295
                    Return New Version(4, 6)
                Case >= 379893
                    Return New Version(4, 5, 2)
                Case >= 378675
                    Return New Version(4, 5, 1)
                Case >= 378389
                    Return New Version(4, 5)
            End Select
        End If
    End Using
 
    ' .NET 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0
    Using ndpKey As RegistryKey =
        RegistryKey.OpenRemoteBaseKey(RegistryHive.LocalMachine, "").
                    OpenSubKey("SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\", writable:=False)
 
        For Each versionKeyName As String In ndpKey.GetSubKeyNames().OrderByDescending(Function(x As String) x)
            If versionKeyName.ToLower().StartsWith("v") Then
                Return New Version(versionKeyName.ToLower().TrimStart("v"c))
            End If
        Next versionKeyName
    End Using
 
    Return New Version()
 
End Function

Personálmente recomiendo decorar esta funcionalidad mediante una propiedad de sólo lectura, tal que así:

''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <summary>
''' Gets a value that determines which is the most recent version of the .NET Framework runtimes installed 
''' on the current machine.
''' </summary>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <value>
''' A value that determines which is the most recent version of the .NET Framework runtimes installed 
''' on the current machine.
''' </value>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Shared ReadOnly Property MostRecentInstalledFrameworkVersion As Version
    <DebuggerStepThrough>
    Get
        Return GetMostRecentInstalledFrameworkVersion()
    End Get
End Property

Modo de empleo:

Dim frameworkVersion As Version = GetMostRecentInstalledFrameworkVersion()
Console.WriteLine(frameworkVersion.ToString())

Notas: Faltaría implementar la versión de .NET 4.6.2. Aparte de eso no he podio testear en profundidad el resultado obtenido en un equipo que tenga instalado .NET 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 3.5 o 4.0, si encuentran algún error diganmelo.

---

Códigos de error Win32.

Esto que voy a compartir a continuación es una enumeración con todos los errores Win32 de la API de Windows, en total son +13.000 lineas de código, así que os dejo un enlace externo:

• https://paste.ee/p/zr1gk

El propósito de gigantesca enumeración es proveer una manera sencilla, directa y eficiente de determinar que error nos devuelve en ocasiones una función de la API de Windows y cual es el significado de dicho código de error.

No confundir un código de error Win32 con un código de error H_RESULT, esto último define muchos errores Win32 pero con otros valores.

Recordad que la librería de clases de .NET Framework expone algunos miembros muy útiles para la evaluación de errores de funciones no administradas, Marshal.GetLastWin32Error(), Marshal.GetHRForLastWin32Error() y Marshal.ThrowExceptionForHR() así como el tipo excepción System.ComponentModel.Win32Exception que podemos invocar para informarle de un error Win32 específico al usuario.

---

¿Cómo prevenir el Flickering de un control Win32?.

Uno de los mayores problemas estéticos y también de lo más común al trabajar con los controles de la tecnología WindowsForms es el Flickering. El Flicker consiste en un desagradable parpadeo de la imagen en donde la imagen desaparece por un breve tiempo lapso de tiempo hasta que vuelve a aparecer, como un parpadeo. Es un problema visual que afecta a la estética del control, y suele producirse muy a menudo cuando el control necesita realizar operaciones de dibujo muy expensivas, o cuando estamos trabajando con transparencias.

Una descripción más detallada del flickering: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flicker_(screen)

¿Cómo se soluciona el Flickering?, pues lamentablemente no se puede solucionar completamente, pero si que podemos llegar a reducir el Flickering considerablemente y en el mejor de los casos hasta llegar a dejar de percibirlo del todo y poder decir que ya no hay Flickering en el control, ¿pero cómo se hace?, pues una solución cotidiana sería con un bufer doble de memoria, o double buffering.

Cuando el double buffering está activado, todas las operaciones de dibujado del control son renderizadas primero a un bufer de memoria en vez de ser renderizadas directamente a la superficie de dibujado en la pantalla. Cuando todas las operaciones de dibujado han sido completadas, el bufer de memoria es copiado directamente a la superficie de dibujado asociada a él.

Para tratar de solventar los problemas de Flickering cuando estamos desarrollando un control de usuario, he desarrollado una interfáz con nombre IBufferedControl, la cual implementariamos en nuestro control:

' ***********************************************************************
' Author   : Elektro
' Modified : 20-March-2017
' ***********************************************************************
 
#Region " Public Members Summary "
 
#Region " Properties "
 
' CreateParams As CreateParams
' DoubleBuffered As Boolean
' PreventFlickering As Boolean
 
#End Region
 
#End Region
 
#Region " Option Statements "
 
Option Strict On
Option Explicit On
Option Infer Off
 
#End Region
 
#Region " Imports "
 
Imports System.ComponentModel
Imports System.Windows.Forms
 
#End Region
 
#Region " IBufferedControl "
 
Namespace Types
 
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Provides simple double buffering (anti flickering) functionality for a Windows Forms <see cref="Control"/>,
    ''' such for example a <see cref="TextBox"/>.
    ''' </summary>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Public Interface IBufferedControl
 
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <summary>
        ''' Gets the required creation parameters when the control handle is created.
        ''' </summary>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <value>
        ''' The creation parameters.
        ''' </value>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <Browsable(False)>
        <EditorBrowsable(EditorBrowsableState.Advanced)>
        ReadOnly Property CreateParams As CreateParams
        ' Implementation Exmple:
        '
        ' Protected Overrides ReadOnly Property CreateParams As CreateParams Implements IBufferedControl.CreateParams
        '     Get
        '         If (Me.preventFlickeringB) Then
        '             Dim cp As CreateParams = MyBase.CreateParams
        '             cp.ExStyle = (cp.ExStyle Or CInt(WindowStylesEx.Composited))
        '             Return cp
        '         Else
        '             Return MyBase.CreateParams
        '         End If
        '     End Get
        ' End Property
 
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <summary>
        ''' Gets or sets a value indicating whether this control should redraw its surface using a secondary buffer 
        ''' to reduce or prevent flicker.
        ''' </summary>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <value>
        ''' <see langword="True"/> if the surface of the control should be drawn using double buffering; 
        ''' otherwise, <see langword="False"/>.
        ''' </value>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <Browsable(True)>
        <EditorBrowsable(EditorBrowsableState.Always)>
        <DesignerSerializationVisibility(DesignerSerializationVisibility.Visible)>
        <Localizable(True)>
        <Category("Behavior")>
        <Description("Indicates whether this control should redraw its surface using a secondary buffer to reduce or prevent flicker.")>
        <DefaultValue(GetType(Boolean), "True")>
        Property DoubleBuffered As Boolean
        ' Implementation Exmple:
        '
        ' Public Overridable Shadows Property DoubleBuffered As Boolean Implements IBufferedControl.DoubleBuffered
        '     Get
        '         Return MyBase.DoubleBuffered
        '     End Get
        '     Set(ByVal value As Boolean)
        '         Me.SetStyle(ControlStyles.DoubleBuffer, value)
        '         MyBase.DoubleBuffered = value
        '     End Set
        ' End Property
 
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <summary>
        ''' Gets or sets a value that indicates whether the control should avoid unwanted flickering effects.
        ''' <para></para>
        ''' If <see langword="True"/>, this will avoid any flickering effect on the control, however,
        ''' it will also have a negative impact by slowing down the responsiveness of the control about to 30% slower.
        ''' <para></para>
        ''' This negative impact doesn't affect to the performance of the application itself, 
        ''' just to the performance of this control.
        ''' </summary>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <value>
        ''' A value that indicates whether the control should avoid unwanted flickering effects.
        ''' </value>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <Browsable(True)>
        <EditorBrowsable(EditorBrowsableState.Always)>
        <DesignerSerializationVisibility(DesignerSerializationVisibility.Visible)>
        <Localizable(True)>
        <Category("Behavior")>
        <Description("Indicates whether the control should avoid unwanted flickering effects. If True, this will avoid any flickering effect on the control, however, it will also have a negative impact by slowing down the responsiveness of the control about to 30% slower.")>
        <DefaultValue(GetType(Boolean), "False")>
        Property PreventFlickering As Boolean
        ' Implementation Exmple:
        '
        ' Public Overridable Property PreventFlickering As Boolean Implements IBufferedControl.PreventFlickering
        '     Get
        '         Return Me.preventFlickeringB
        '     End Get
        '     Set(ByVal value As Boolean)
        '         Me.preventFlickeringB = value
        '     End Set
        ' End Property
        ' ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ' ''' <summary>
        ' ''' ( Backing Field )
        ' ''' A value that indicates whether the control should avoid unwanted flickering effects.
        ' ''' </summary>
        ' ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ' Private preventFlickeringB As Boolean
 
    End Interface
 
End Namespace
 
#End Region

Un ejemplo de implementación:

<DisplayName("MyControl")>
<Description("A extended control.")>
<DesignTimeVisible(True)>
<DesignerCategory("UserControl")>
<ToolboxBitmap(GetType(UserControl))>
<ToolboxItemFilter("System.Windows.Forms", ToolboxItemFilterType.Require)>
<PermissionSet(SecurityAction.Demand, Name:="FullTrust")>
Public Class MyControl : Inherits UserControl : Implements IBufferedControl
 
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Gets the required creation parameters when the control handle is created.
    ''' <para></para>
    ''' The information returned by the <see cref="CreateParams"/> property is used to pass information about the 
    ''' initial state and appearance of this control, at the time an instance of this class is being created.
    ''' </summary>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <value>
    ''' The creation parameters.
    ''' </value>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    <Browsable(False)>
    <EditorBrowsable(EditorBrowsableState.Advanced)>
    <Description("The required creation parameters when the control handle is created.")>
    Protected Overrides ReadOnly Property CreateParams As CreateParams Implements IBufferedControl.CreateParams
        Get
            If (Me.preventFlickeringB) Then
                Dim cp As CreateParams = MyBase.CreateParams
                cp.ExStyle = (cp.ExStyle Or CInt(WindowStylesEx.Composited))
                Return cp
            Else
                Return MyBase.CreateParams
            End If
        End Get
    End Property
 
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Gets or sets a value indicating whether this control should redraw its surface using a secondary buffer 
    ''' to reduce or prevent flicker.
    ''' </summary>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <value>
    ''' <see langword="True"/> if the surface of the control should be drawn using double buffering; 
    ''' otherwise, <see langword="False"/>.
    ''' </value>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    <Browsable(True)>
    <EditorBrowsable(EditorBrowsableState.Always)>
    <DesignerSerializationVisibility(DesignerSerializationVisibility.Visible)>
    <Localizable(True)>
    <Category("Behavior")>
    <Description("Indicates whether this control should redraw its surface using a secondary buffer to reduce or prevent flicker.")>
    <DefaultValue(GetType(Boolean), "False")>
    Public Overridable Shadows Property DoubleBuffered As Boolean Implements IBufferedControl.DoubleBuffered
        Get
            Return MyBase.DoubleBuffered
        End Get
        Set(ByVal value As Boolean)
            Me.SetStyle(ControlStyles.DoubleBuffer, value)
            MyBase.DoubleBuffered = value
        End Set
    End Property
 
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Gets or sets a value that indicates whether the control should avoid unwanted flickering effects.
    ''' <para></para>
    ''' If <see langword="True"/>, this will avoid any flickering effect on the control, however,
    ''' it will also have a negative impact by slowing down the responsiveness of the control about to 30% slower.
    ''' <para></para>
    ''' This negative impact doesn't affect to the performance of the application itself, 
    ''' just to the performance of this control.
    ''' </summary>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <value>
    ''' A value that indicates whether the control should avoid unwanted flickering effects.
    ''' </value>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    <Browsable(True)>
    <EditorBrowsable(EditorBrowsableState.Always)>
    <DesignerSerializationVisibility(DesignerSerializationVisibility.Visible)>
    <Localizable(False)>
    <Category("Behavior")>
    <Description("Indicates whether the control should avoid unwanted flickering effects. If True, this will avoid any flickering effect on the control, however, it will also have a negative impact by slowing down the responsiveness of the control about to 30% slower.")>
    <DefaultValue(GetType(Boolean), "False")>
    Public Overridable Property PreventFlickering As Boolean Implements IBufferedControl.PreventFlickering
        Get
            Return Me.preventFlickeringB
        End Get
        Set(ByVal value As Boolean)
            Me.preventFlickeringB = value
        End Set
    End Property
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <summary>
    ''' ( Backing Field )
    ''' A value that indicates whether the control should avoid unwanted flickering effects.
    ''' </summary>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Private preventFlickeringB As Boolean
 
    Public Sub New()
        MyBase.SuspendLayout()
        ' MyBase.DoubleBuffered = True
        ' Me.preventFlickeringB = True
        MyBase.ResumeLayout(performLayout:=False)
    End Sub
 
End Class

---

¿Cómo calcular la distancia (de 2 dimensiones) entre dos puntos?.

''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <summary>
''' Calculates the distance between two points in two dimensions in the coordinate system.
''' </summary>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <remarks>
''' Pythagorean theorem: <see href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagorean_theorem"/>
''' </remarks>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <example> This is a code example.
''' <code>
''' Dim distance As Double = CalculateDistance2D(New PointF(1, 1), New PointF(2, 2))
''' </code>
''' </example>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <param name="pointA">
''' The first point.
''' </param>
''' 
''' <param name="pointB">
''' The second point.
''' </param>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <returns>
''' The resulting distance.
''' </returns>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Shared Function CalculateDistance2D(ByVal pointA As PointF, ByVal pointB As PointF) As Double
 
    ' Pythagoras theorem: c^2 = a^2 + b^2
    ' thus c = square root(a^2 + b^2)
    Dim a As Double = (pointB.X - pointA.X)
    Dim b As Double = (pointB.Y - pointA.Y)
 
    Return Math.Sqrt(a * a + b * b)
 
End Function

---

¿Cómo subscribirnos a eventos del sistema?.

Microsoft Windows expone una infraestructura llamada WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) mediante la que provee una serie de classes que podemos utilizar para subscribbirnos a eventos del sistema o dicho coloquiálmente "monitorizar eventos", como por ejemplo cambios de hardware, cambios de aplicaciones instaladas o desinstaladas, cambios en el nivel de batería de un portatil, cambios en el registro de Windows, y un largo etcétera.

La lista de classes podemos encontrarla en MSDN: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa394554(v=vs.85).aspx

Hay varios tipos de classes, un tipo de classes serían representativas, es decir para representar información de consultas realizadas a WMI, y otro tipo serían las classes de eventos. Una class de evento la utilizariamos para subscribirnos al tipo de evento que provee.

Para subscribirnos a una clase de evento, la librería de clases de .NET Framework espone la clase ManagementEventWatcher. Yo he desarrollado la siguiente class que hereda de la class ManagementEventWatcher, con la intención de añadir algunos constructores específicos para facilitar todavía más su uso y abstraer en mayor medida el nivel de complejidad.

' ***********************************************************************
' Author   : Elektro
' Modified : 21-March-2017
' ***********************************************************************
 
#Region " Public Members Summary "
 
#Region " Constructors "
 
' New(String)
' New(String, Single)
' New(String, Timespan)
' New(String, String, Single)
' New(String, String, Timespan)
' New(String, String, String(), UInteger)
' New(String, String, String(), Timespan)
 
' New(SelectQuery)
' New(SelectQuery, Single)
' New(SelectQuery, Timespan)
' New(SelectQuery, UInteger)
 
#End Region
 
#Region " Events "
 
' EventArrived As EventArrivedEventHandler
 
#End Region
 
#Region " Methods "
 
' Start()
' Stop()
' Dispose()
 
#End Region
 
#End Region
 
#Region " Option Statements "
 
Option Strict On
Option Explicit On
Option Infer Off
 
#End Region
 
#Region " Imports "
 
Imports System.ComponentModel
Imports System.Management
 
#End Region
 
#Region " WMI Event Watcher "
 
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <summary>
    ''' A WMI event monitor that notifies about event arrivals for the subscribed event class.
    ''' </summary>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    <DesignerCategory("code")>
    <ImmutableObject(False)>
    Public Class WMIEventWatcher : Inherits ManagementEventWatcher
 
#Region " Constructors "
 
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <summary>
        ''' Prevents a default instance of the <see cref="WMIEventWatcher"/> class from being created.
        ''' </summary>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <DebuggerNonUserCode>
        Private Sub New()
        End Sub
 
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <summary>
        ''' Initializes a new instance of the <see cref="WMIEventWatcher"/> class.
        ''' </summary>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <param name="eventClassName">
        ''' The name of the WMI event class to subscribe for.
        ''' </param>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <DebuggerStepThrough>
        Public Sub New(ByVal eventClassName As String)
 
            Me.New(eventClassName, condition:=String.Empty, withinInterval:=1.0F)
 
        End Sub
 
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <summary>
        ''' Initializes a new instance of the <see cref="WMIEventWatcher"/> class.
        ''' </summary>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <param name="eventClassName">
        ''' The name of the WMI event class to subscribe for.
        ''' </param>
        ''' 
        ''' <param name="withinInterval">
        ''' The interval, in seconds, that WMI will check for changes that occur to instances of the events of the 
        ''' specified class in the <paramref name="eventClassName"/> parameter.
        ''' </param>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <DebuggerStepThrough>
        Public Sub New(ByVal eventClassName As String,
                       ByVal withinInterval As Single)
 
            Me.New(eventClassName, condition:=String.Empty, withinInterval:=withinInterval)
 
        End Sub
 
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <summary>
        ''' Initializes a new instance of the <see cref="WMIEventWatcher"/> class.
        ''' </summary>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <param name="eventClassName">
        ''' The name of the WMI event class to subscribe for.
        ''' </param>
        ''' 
        ''' <param name="withinInterval">
        ''' The interval, in seconds, that WMI will check for changes that occur to instances of the events of the 
        ''' specified class in the <paramref name="eventClassName"/> parameter.
        ''' </param>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <DebuggerStepThrough>
        Public Sub New(ByVal eventClassName As String,
                       ByVal withinInterval As TimeSpan)
 
            Me.New(eventClassName, condition:=String.Empty, withinInterval:=withinInterval)
 
        End Sub
 
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <summary>
        ''' Initializes a new instance of the <see cref="WMIEventWatcher"/> class.
        ''' </summary>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <param name="eventClassName">
        ''' The name of the WMI event class to subscribe for.
        ''' </param>
        ''' 
        ''' <param name="condition">
        ''' The condition to be applied to events of the specified class in the 
        ''' <paramref name="eventClassName"/> parameter.
        ''' </param>
        ''' 
        ''' <param name="withinInterval">
        ''' The interval, in seconds, that WMI will check for changes that occur to instances of the events of the 
        ''' specified class in the <paramref name="eventClassName"/> parameter.
        ''' </param>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <DebuggerStepThrough>
        Public Sub New(ByVal eventClassName As String,
                       ByVal condition As String,
                       ByVal withinInterval As Single)
 
            Me.New(eventClassName, condition, TimeSpan.FromSeconds(withinInterval))
 
        End Sub
 
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <summary>
        ''' Initializes a new instance of the <see cref="WMIEventWatcher"/> class.
        ''' </summary>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <param name="eventClassName">
        ''' The name of the WMI event class to subscribe for.
        ''' </param>
        ''' 
        ''' <param name="condition">
        ''' The condition to be applied to events of the specified class in the 
        ''' <paramref name="eventClassName"/> parameter.
        ''' </param>
        ''' 
        ''' <param name="withinInterval">
        ''' The interval, in seconds, that WMI will check for changes that occur to instances of the events of the 
        ''' specified class in the <paramref name="eventClassName"/> parameter.
        ''' </param>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <DebuggerStepThrough>
        Public Sub New(ByVal eventClassName As String,
                       ByVal condition As String,
                       ByVal withinInterval As TimeSpan)
 
            MyBase.Query = New WqlEventQuery(eventClassName:=eventClassName,
                                             condition:=condition,
                                             withinInterval:=withinInterval)
 
        End Sub
 
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <summary>
        ''' Initializes a new instance of the <see cref="WMIEventWatcher"/> class.
        ''' </summary>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <param name="eventClassName">
        ''' The name of the WMI event class to subscribe for.
        ''' </param>
        ''' 
        ''' <param name="condition">
        ''' The condition to be applied to events of the specified class in the 
        ''' <paramref name="eventClassName"/> parameter.
        ''' </param>
        ''' 
        ''' <param name="groupByPropertyList">
        ''' The properties in the event class by which the events should be grouped.
        ''' </param>
        ''' 
        ''' <param name="groupWithinInterval">
        ''' The interval, in seconds, of the specified interval at which WMI sends one aggregate event, 
        ''' rather than many events.
        ''' </param>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <DebuggerStepThrough>
        Public Sub New(ByVal eventClassName As String,
                       ByVal condition As String,
                       ByVal groupByPropertyList As String(),
                       ByVal groupWithinInterval As UInteger)
 
            Me.New(eventClassName, condition, groupByPropertyList, TimeSpan.FromSeconds(groupWithinInterval))
 
        End Sub
 
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <summary>
        ''' Initializes a new instance of the <see cref="WMIEventWatcher"/> class.
        ''' </summary>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <param name="eventClassName">
        ''' The name of the WMI event class to subscribe for.
        ''' </param>
        ''' 
        ''' <param name="condition">
        ''' The condition to be applied to events of the specified class in the 
        ''' <paramref name="eventClassName"/> parameter.
        ''' </param>
        ''' 
        ''' <param name="groupByPropertyList">
        ''' The properties in the event class by which the events should be grouped.
        ''' </param>
        ''' 
        ''' <param name="groupWithinInterval">
        ''' The interval, in seconds, of the specified interval at which WMI sends one aggregate event, 
        ''' rather than many events.
        ''' </param>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <DebuggerStepThrough>
        Public Sub New(ByVal eventClassName As String,
                       ByVal condition As String,
                       ByVal groupByPropertyList As String(),
                       ByVal groupWithinInterval As TimeSpan)
 
            MyBase.Query = New WqlEventQuery(eventClassName:=eventClassName,
                                             condition:=condition,
                                             groupWithinInterval:=groupWithinInterval,
                                             groupByPropertyList:=groupByPropertyList)
 
        End Sub
 
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <summary>
        ''' Initializes a new instance of the <see cref="WMIEventWatcher"/> class.
        ''' </summary>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <param name="query">
        ''' The WMI select query of the event class to subscribe for.
        ''' </param>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <DebuggerStepThrough>
        Public Sub New(ByVal query As SelectQuery)
 
            Me.New(query.ClassName, condition:=query.Condition, withinInterval:=1.0F)
 
        End Sub
 
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <summary>
        ''' Initializes a new instance of the <see cref="WMIEventWatcher"/> class.
        ''' </summary>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <param name="query">
        ''' The WMI select query of the event class to subscribe for.
        ''' </param>
        ''' 
        ''' <param name="withinInterval">
        ''' The interval, in seconds, that WMI will check for changes that occur to instances of the events of the 
        ''' specified class in the <paramref name="query"/> parameter.
        ''' </param>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <DebuggerStepThrough>
        Public Sub New(ByVal query As SelectQuery,
                       ByVal withinInterval As Single)
 
            Me.New(query.ClassName, condition:=query.Condition, withinInterval:=TimeSpan.FromSeconds(withinInterval))
 
        End Sub
 
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <summary>
        ''' Initializes a new instance of the <see cref="WMIEventWatcher"/> class.
        ''' </summary>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <param name="query">
        ''' The WMI select query of the event class to subscribe for.
        ''' </param>
        ''' 
        ''' <param name="withinInterval">
        ''' The interval, in seconds, that WMI will check for changes that occur to instances of the events of the 
        ''' specified class in the <paramref name="query"/> parameter.
        ''' </param>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <DebuggerStepThrough>
        Public Sub New(ByVal query As SelectQuery,
                       ByVal withinInterval As TimeSpan)
 
            Me.New(query.ClassName, condition:=query.Condition, withinInterval:=withinInterval)
 
        End Sub
 
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <summary>
        ''' Initializes a new instance of the <see cref="WMIEventWatcher"/> class.
        ''' </summary>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ''' <param name="query">
        ''' The WMI select query of the event class to subscribe for and its selected properties.
        ''' </param>
        ''' 
        ''' <param name="groupWithinInterval">
        ''' The interval, in seconds, of the specified interval at which WMI sends one aggregate event, 
        ''' rather than many events.
        ''' </param>
        ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <DebuggerStepThrough>
        Public Sub New(ByVal query As SelectQuery,
                       ByVal groupWithinInterval As UInteger)
 
            Dim strArray As String() = New String(query.SelectedProperties.Count - 1) {}
            query.SelectedProperties.CopyTo(strArray, 0)
 
            MyBase.Query = New WqlEventQuery(eventClassName:=query.ClassName,
                                             condition:=query.Condition,
                                             groupWithinInterval:=TimeSpan.FromSeconds(groupWithinInterval),
                                             groupByPropertyList:=strArray)
 
        End Sub
 
#End Region
 
    End Class
 
#End Region

Ejemplo de uso para subscribirnos a la class Win32_VolumeChangeEvent, la cual nos informa de cambios de volumen, del montaje y desmontaje de particiones del sistema:

Public NotInheritable Class Form1 : Inherits Form
 
    Private WithEvents eventWatcher As New WMIEventWatcher("Win32_VolumeChangeEvent", withinInterval:=0.5F)
 
    Private Sub Form1_Load(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As EventArgs) Handles Me.Load
        Me.eventWatcher.Scope = New ManagementScope("root\CIMV2", New ConnectionOptions() With {.EnablePrivileges = True})
        Me.eventWatcher.Start()
    End Sub
 
    Private Sub Form1_FormClosing(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As FormClosingEventArgs) Handles Me.FormClosing
        Me.eventWatcher.Dispose()
    End Sub
 
    Private Sub EventWatcher_EventArrived(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As EventArrivedEventArgs) _
    Handles eventWatcher.EventArrived
        Dim driveName As String = CStr(e.NewEvent.Properties("DriveName").Value)
        Dim eventType As Integer = CInt(e.NewEvent.Properties("EventType").Value)
 
        Console.WriteLine(String.Format("Drive Name: {0}", driveName))
        Console.WriteLine(String.Format("Event Type: {0}", eventType))
    End Sub
 
End Class

Ejemplo de uso para subscribirnos a la class Win32_LogicalDisk, mediante la cual con el uso de una condición en la consulta de WMI, nos reportará cambios de inserción y eyección en dispositivos de CD-ROM:

Public Class Form1 : Inherits Form
 
    Private WithEvents eventWatcher As New WMIEventWatcher(
        "__InstanceModificationEvent",
        condition:="TargetInstance ISA 'Win32_LogicalDisk' and TargetInstance.DriveType = 5",
        withinInterval:=0.5F
    )
 
    Private Sub Form1_Load(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As EventArgs) Handles Me.Load
        Me.eventWatcher.Scope = New ManagementScope("root\CIMV2", New ConnectionOptions() With {.EnablePrivileges = True})
        Me.eventWatcher.Start()
    End Sub
 
    Private Sub Form1_FormClosing(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As FormClosingEventArgs) Handles Me.FormClosing
        Me.eventWatcher.Dispose()
    End Sub
 
    Private Sub EventWatcher_EventArrived(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As EventArrivedEventArgs) Handles eventWatcher.EventArrived
 
        Using mo As ManagementBaseObject = DirectCast(pd.Value, ManagementBaseObject)
 
            Dim name As String = Convert.ToString(mo.Properties("Name").Value)
            string label = Convert.ToString(mo.Properties("VolumeName").Value);
 
            Dim di As DriveInfo = (From item In DriveInfo.GetDrives()
                                   Where String.IsNullOrEmpty(item.Name)
                                  ).Single()
 
            If Not String.IsNullOrEmpty(di.VolumeLabel) Then
 
                Console.WriteLine(String.Format("CD has been inserted in drive {0}.", di.Name))
            Else
 
                Console.WriteLine(String.Format("CD has been ejected from drive {0}.", di.Name))
 
            End If
 
        End Using
 
    End Sub
 
End Class

Nota: No he podido testear el ejemplo del dispositivo CD-ROM.

---

Todas estas funcionalidades y muchísimas más las podrán encontrar en mi Framework de pago ElektroKit.

Determinar si dos colores son similares

    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Determines whether two colors are similar.
    ''' <para></para>
    ''' It compares the RGB channel differences to match inside the range of the specified tolerance values.
    ''' </summary>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <param name="color1">
    ''' The first color to compare.
    ''' </param>
    ''' 
    ''' <param name="color2">
    ''' The second color to compare.
    ''' </param>
    ''' 
    ''' <param name="toleranceR">
    ''' The tolerance of the Red color channel. 
    ''' From 0 to 255.
    ''' </param>
    ''' 
    ''' <param name="toleranceG">
    ''' The tolerance of the Green color channel. 
    ''' From 0 to 255.
    ''' </param>
    ''' 
    ''' <param name="toleranceB">
    ''' The tolerance of the Blue color channel. 
    ''' From 0 to 255.
    ''' </param>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <returns>
    ''' <see langword="True"/> if the colors are similar, 
    ''' this means the RGB differences matches inside the range of the specified tolerance value, 
    ''' <see langword="False"/> otherwise.
    ''' </returns>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Public Shared Function IsColorSimilar(ByVal color1 As Color, ByVal color2 As Color,
                                          ByVal toleranceR As Byte, ByVal toleranceG As Byte, ByVal toleranceB As Byte) As Boolean
 
        Return Math.Abs(CInt(color1.R) - color2.R) <= toleranceR AndAlso
               Math.Abs(CInt(color1.G) - color2.G) <= toleranceG AndAlso
               Math.Abs(CInt(color1.B) - color2.B) <= toleranceB
 
    End Function

Modo de empleo:

Dim areSimilar As Boolean = IsColorSimilar(Color.FromArgb(0, 0, 0), Color.FromArgb(0, 0, 1),
                                           toleranceR:=0, toleranceG:=0, toleranceB:=1)
' Result: True

    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Determines whether two colors are similar.
    ''' <para></para>
    ''' It compares the RGB channel difference to match inside the range of the specified tolerance value.
    ''' </summary>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <param name="color1">
    ''' The first color to compare.
    ''' </param>
    ''' 
    ''' <param name="color2">
    ''' The second color to compare.
    ''' </param>
    ''' 
    ''' <param name="tolerance">
    ''' The global tolerance of the RGB color channels. 
    ''' From 0 to 255.
    ''' </param>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <returns>
    ''' <see langword="True"/> if the colors are similar, 
    ''' this means the RGB differences matches inside the range of the specified tolerance value, 
    ''' <see langword="False"/> otherwise.
    ''' </returns>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Public Shared Function IsColorSimilar(ByVal color1 As Color, ByVal color2 As Color, ByVal tolerance As Byte) As Boolean
 
        Return (Math.Abs(CInt(color1.R) - color2.R) +
                Math.Abs(CInt(color1.G) - color2.G) +
                Math.Abs(CInt(color1.B) - color2.B)) <= tolerance
 
    End Function

Modo de empleo :

Dim result1 As Boolean = IsColorSimilar(Color.FromArgb(0, 0, 0), Color.FromArgb(0, 0, 1), tolerance:=1)
' Result: True
'  Logic: Blue channel difference = 1, which is equal than the specified tolerance value.
 
Dim result2 As Boolean = IsColorSimilar(Color.FromArgb(0, 0, 0), Color.FromArgb(0, 1, 1), tolerance:=1)
' Result: False
'  Logic: Red channel + Blue channel differences = 2, which is a bigger value than the specified tolerance value.

---

Voltear una imagen

''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <summary>
''' Specifies a flip type operation to perform for an image.
''' </summary>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Enum FlipType As Integer
 
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Horizontal flip.
    ''' </summary>
    Horizontal = 1
 
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Vertical flip.
    ''' </summary>
    Vertical = 2
 
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Both a horizontal and vertical flip.
    ''' </summary>
    Both = 3
 
End Enum
 
public module ImageExtensions
 
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <summary>
''' Flips an <see cref="Image"/>.
''' </summary>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <param name="sender">
''' The source <see cref="Image"/>.
''' </param>
''' 
''' <param name="fliptype">
''' The flip type operation to perform.
''' </param>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <returns>
''' The resulting <see cref="Image"/>.
''' </returns>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<Extension>
<DebuggerStepThrough>
<EditorBrowsable(EditorBrowsableState.Always)>
Public Function Flip(ByVal sender As Image, ByVal fliptype As FlipType) As Image
 
    Dim flippedImage As New Bitmap(sender.Width, sender.Height, sender.PixelFormat)
 
    Using g As Graphics = Graphics.FromImage(flippedImage)
 
        Dim m As Matrix = Nothing
        Select Case fliptype
            Case FlipType.Horizontal
                m = New Matrix(-1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0)
                m.Translate(flippedImage.Width, 0, MatrixOrder.Append)
 
            Case FlipType.Vertical
                m = New Matrix(1, 0, 0, -1, 0, 0)
                m.Translate(0, flippedImage.Height, MatrixOrder.Append)
 
            Case FlipType.Both
                m = New Matrix(-1, 0, 0, -1, 0, 0)
                m.Translate(flippedImage.Width, flippedImage.Height, MatrixOrder.Append)
        End Select
 
        ' Draw
        g.Transform = m
        g.DrawImage(sender, 0, 0)
 
        'clean up
        m.Dispose()
    End Using
 
    Return flippedImage
 
End Function
 
end module

Modo de empleo:

dim img as image = image.fromfile("C:\file.png")
dim flipped as image=  imf.Flip(FlipType.Vertical)

---

Cifrado XOR

''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <summary>
''' Encrypts or decrypts a string using XOR algorithm.
''' </summary>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <param name="text">
''' The text to encrypt.
''' </param>
''' 
''' <param name="key">
''' The key to use for encryption of decryption.
''' </param>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <returns>
''' The encrypted string.
''' </returns>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<DebuggerStepThrough>
Public Shared Function XorEncryptOrDecrypt(ByVal text As String, ByVal key As Integer) As String
 
    Dim sb As New StringBuilder(text.Length, text.Length)
    For Each c As Char In text
        ' Get the ASCII value of the character.
        Dim charValue As Integer = Convert.ToInt32(c)
        ' XOR the value.
        charValue = (charValue Xor key)
        ' Convert back to string.
        sb.Append(Char.ConvertFromUtf32(charValue))
    Next
 
    Return sb.ToString()
 
End Function

Modo de empleo:

Dim str As String = "Hello World"
Dim encrypted As String = XorEncryptOrDecrypt(str, 1)       ' Result: "Idmmn!Vnsme"
Dim decrypted As String = XorEncryptOrDecrypt(encrypted, 1) ' Result: "Hello World"

---

Obtener un array con los bytes del archivo de la aplicación actual

''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <summary>
''' Gets the bytes of the local file that points to the running assembly.
''' </summary>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <value>
''' A <see cref="Byte()"/> array containing the bytes of the local file that points to the running assembly.
''' </value>
''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Shared ReadOnly Property SelfBytes As Byte()
    <DebuggerStepThrough>
    Get
        Using fs As FileStream = File.OpenRead(System.Windows.Forms.Application.ExecutablePath)
            Dim exeBytes As Byte() = New Byte(CInt(fs.Length - 1)) {}
            fs.Read(exeBytes, 0, exeBytes.Length)
            Return exeBytes
        End Using
    End Get
End Property

Modo de empleo:

Dim selfBytes As Byte() = SelfBytes()

---

Obtener recursos embedidos en un ensamblado .NET

Partial Public NotInheritable Class ResourceUtil
 
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Gets an embedded resource in the specified <see cref="Assembly"/>.
    ''' </summary>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <param name="name">
    ''' The name of the resource.
    ''' </param>
    ''' 
    ''' <param name="ass">
    ''' The <see cref="Assembly"/> to look for the resource.
    ''' </param>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <returns>
    ''' A <see cref="Byte()"/> array containing the bytes of the embedded resource.
    ''' </returns>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Public Shared Function GetEmbeddedResource(ByVal name As String, ByVal ass As Assembly) As Byte()
 
        name = ResourceUtil.FormatResourceName(name, ass)
 
        Using resx As Stream = ass.GetManifestResourceStream(name)
 
            If (resx Is Nothing) Then
                Throw New Exception("Resource not found in the specified .NET assembly.")
 
            Else
                Dim content As Byte() = New Byte(CInt(resx.Length - 1)) {}
                resx.Read(content, 0, content.Length)
                Return content
 
            End If
 
        End Using
 
    End Function
 
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Gets an embedded resource in the calling assembly.
    ''' </summary>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <param name="name">
    ''' The name of the resource.
    ''' </param>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <returns>
    ''' A <see cref="Byte()"/> array containing the bytes of the embedded resource.
    ''' </returns>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Public Shared Function GetEmbeddedResource(ByVal name As String) As Byte()
 
        Return ResourceUtil.GetEmbeddedResource(name, Assembly.GetCallingAssembly())
 
    End Function
 
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Gets an embedded resource of type <see cref="String"/> in the specified <see cref="Assembly"/>.
    ''' </summary>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <param name="name">
    ''' The name of the resource.
    ''' </param>
    ''' 
    ''' <param name="ass">
    ''' The <see cref="Assembly"/> to look for the resource.
    ''' </param>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <returns>
    ''' The embedded resource as <see cref="String"/>.
    ''' </returns>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Public Shared Function GetEmbeddedResourceAsString(ByVal name As String, ByVal ass As Assembly, Optional ByVal enc As Encoding = Nothing) As String
 
        If (enc Is Nothing) Then
            enc = Encoding.Default
        End If
 
        name = ResourceUtil.FormatResourceName(name, ass)
 
        Using resx As Stream = ass.GetManifestResourceStream(name)
 
            If (resx Is Nothing) Then
                Throw New Exception("Resource not found in the specified .NET assembly.")
            Else
                Using reader As New StreamReader(resx, enc)
                    Return reader.ReadToEnd()
                End Using
            End If
 
        End Using
 
    End Function
 
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Gets an embedded resource of type <see cref="String"/> in the calling assembly.
    ''' </summary>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <param name="name">
    ''' The name of the resource.
    ''' </param>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <returns>
    ''' The embedded resource as <see cref="String"/>.
    ''' </returns>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Public Shared Function GetEmbeddedResourceAsString(ByVal name As String, Optional ByVal enc As Encoding = Nothing) As String
 
        Return ResourceUtil.GetEmbeddedResourceAsString(name, Assembly.GetCallingAssembly(), enc)
 
    End Function
 
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Gets an embedded resource of type <see cref="Image"/> in the specified <see cref="Assembly"/>.
    ''' </summary>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <param name="name">
    ''' The name of the resource.
    ''' </param>
    ''' 
    ''' <param name="ass">
    ''' The <see cref="Assembly"/> to look for the resource.
    ''' </param>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <returns>
    ''' The embedded resource as <see cref="Image"/>.
    ''' </returns>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Public Shared Function GetEmbeddedResourceAsImage(ByVal name As String, ByVal ass As Assembly) As Image
 
        name = ResourceUtil.FormatResourceName(name, ass)
 
        Using resx As Stream = ass.GetManifestResourceStream(name)
 
            If (resx Is Nothing) Then
                Throw New Exception("Resource not found in the specified .NET assembly.")
            Else
                Using ms As New MemoryStream()
                    resx.CopyTo(ms)
                    Return Image.FromStream(ms)
                End Using
 
            End If
 
        End Using
 
    End Function
 
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Gets an embedded resource of type <see cref="Image"/> in the calling assembly.
    ''' </summary>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <param name="name">
    ''' The name of the resource.
    ''' </param>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <returns>
    ''' The embedded resource as <see cref="Image"/>.
    ''' </returns>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Public Shared Function GetEmbeddedResourceAsImage(ByVal name As String) As Image
 
        Return ResourceUtil.GetEmbeddedResourceAsImage(name, Assembly.GetCallingAssembly())
 
    End Function
 
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Formats a resource name.
    ''' </summary>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <param name="name">
    ''' The name of the resource.
    ''' </param>
    ''' 
    ''' <param name="ass">
    ''' The assembly that contains the resource.
    ''' </param>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ''' <returns>
    ''' The resulting formatted resource name.
    ''' </returns>
    ''' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Private Shared Function FormatResourceName(ByVal name As String, ByVal ass As Assembly) As String
 
        Return String.Format("{0}.{1}", ass.GetName().Name, name.Replace(" ", "_").
                                                                 Replace("\", ".").
                                                                 Replace("/", "."))
 
    End Function
 
End Class

Ejemplo de uso para la aplicación actual:

Dim data As Byte() = GetEmbeddedResource("file.txt")
Dim dataAsString As String = Encoding.Default.GetString(data)
 
Dim str As String = GetEmbeddedResourceAsString("file.txt", Encoding.Default)
 
Dim img As Image = GetEmbeddedResourceAsImage("file.png")

Ejemplo de uso con un ensamblado específico:

Dim data As Byte() = GetEmbeddedResource("file.txt", Assembly.GetCallingAssembly())
Dim dataAsString As String = Encoding.Default.GetString(data)
 
Dim str As String = GetEmbeddedResourceAsString("file.txt", Assembly.GetCallingAssembly(), Encoding.Default)
 
Dim img As Image = GetEmbeddedResourceAsImage("file.png", Assembly.GetCallingAssembly())

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Todas estas funcionalidades y muchísimas más las podrán encontrar en mi Framework ElektroKit.