Connecting to MSDE using the SQL Adapter

Question

I am very new to VB .NET and have been up endless nights trying to do the 1st part of my Dummy's guide - 'connecting to an MSDE database. Oh it sounds so easy. My dilema is... The book mentions connecting to the local computer and then to the pubs and Northwind databases. Great! One problem...I find that these databases and the local server are only available using SQL and not available using MSDE. Now, I can't use SQL, as VB.NET only works with MSDE, so... WHAT DO I DO!!! I'm fed up with trying, but know that once I get past this 1st stage, I will be able to see the light. Somebody please help me with any advice with connecting to a database. Thank you so much in advance. Mooster.