Connecting to SQL via Visual Basic

What references and syntax do I need to connect to SQL via Visual Basic. I am experienced connecting to MS Access, and therefore understand the use of recordsets (.edit, .update, etc.), but I am having a lot of trouble making the transition to SQL server. Ideally, I’d like to use .NET, but am baffled by the new Dataset, etc. objects and how to navigate them. Someone save me! I am looking fondly at the old SET myDB = string & SET myRST = myDB.openrecordset(string) and wondering, “Is SQL thatmuch more complex?!”