Although you can use VSView Reporting Edition in many different scenarios, on the desktop and on the Web, the main sequence of steps is always the same:
Create a report definition
This can be done directly with the VSReport8 Designer or using the report designer in Microsoft Access and then importing it into the VSReport8 Designer (the Designer is described below). You can also do it using code, either using the object model to add groups and fields or by writing a custom XML file.
You can also use the Designer to preview the report and make sure it looks the way you want.
Load the report into the VSReport8 control
This can be done at design time, using the "Load Report" property page, or at run time using the Load method. If you load the report at design time, it will be persisted (saved) with the control and you won't need to distribute the report definition file.
Render the report (desktop applications)
If you are writing a desktop application, you can render the report into a VSPrinter control using the Render method. The VSPrinter control will display the report on the screen, and users will be able to preview it with full zooming, panning, etc. Users will also be able to print the report directly from the VSPrinter control.
Render the report (Web applications)
If you are writing a Web application, you can export the reports into HTML or PDF files using the RenderToFile method, and your users will be able to view them using any browser.
In Intranet scenarios, you can also export VSPrinter files (VP) and use the VSPrinter control hosted on an HTML page as a viewer (requires ActiveX support in the browser).