API in .NET?

[coldfusion244]

I come from a backround using mostly API, and now in .NET there seems to be a class that has the same function. However, my question is, is my previous assumtion true? Is there no need for API? I am asking this because I am a hobbyist and thought of a cute little program, I need to get every open window handle (visible or not) and the only way I know of doing this is with API and a callback function. If the case is that there is a .NET class for most/all coresponding API, then is there a good C++ .NET reference book like there was for the WIN32 API [i love that book!] ?

 

Second question. MS is coming ouut with VS 2005. I have read that there is a good amount of changes to the classes, i.e. some are gone or replaced, others have slight changes or have been depreciated. Would it be better to delve into 2003 and then 2005 or stick with generic C++ [i.e. no windows programming, compiles on linux/windows] and wait for 2005?