About Microsoft XNA Game Studio

[Xtreme2damax]

I felt this was appropriate to be place in Software Discussion, if it's not feel free to move it to the appropriate section

So Right now I'm downloading Microsoft XNA Game Studio (Beta 2) from Microsoft's website. I know what your thinking, "eww a Microsoft program".

I know, I know. It was the only game studio I could find that was free.

My question is: with XNA Game Studio am I restricted to using only Microsoft's Visual Studio IDE, or can I use an IDE or Compiler of my Choice?

I Have the Microsoft Visual C++ Toolkit installed on my computer, but am not sure if that is sufficient. I really hope I don't have to use Visual Studio for the Programming, as I cannot afford it.

If anyone has a better Reccomendation for a Free Game Studio Similar to MS XNA Game Studio, that has similar options, and allows you to Use different IDE's or Compilers, Please let me know.

Thank you