Do I want these Windows optional updates?

[Anthony Buckland]

Amongst the optional updates I'm currently being offered are
two that I'm unsure about:

Microsoft .NET framework (KB928416) -- this updates version 2.0 to version
3.0.
I have no idea what .NET framework is, let alone whether I have it in, and
if so
in version 2.0. Is this a Windows component, or some sort of application?
If I am likely to have it, how can I find it, and get its version number.

Update rollup for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (XP925766)
-- I have the right edition, but the update is for systems running Update
Rollup
2 (KB900325). I don't know what an Update Rollup is, or how to tell
whether,
assuming I'm running one, whether it's number 2.

Any help on whether I'm qualified to make either update (or comments on
whether I want to) would be appreciated. Thanks for any responses.

 

[Uncle Grumpy]

They're OPTIONAL.

NOT CRITICAL.

Fuggedaboudit.

 

[Anthony Buckland]

They're OPTIONAL.

NOT CRITICAL.

Fuggedaboudit.

Succinct. To the point. Thanks.
Incidentally, I found out quite by accident that I do have the NET
Framework.
I guess it's a standard Win XP component? Anyhow, it would be nice if
Microsoft would, as a matter of course in update descriptions of the "If
you have xxx" ilk, say how to find out whether you _do_ have "xxx".

 

[Rock]

Succinct. To the point. Thanks.
Incidentally, I found out quite by accident that I do have the NET
Framework.
I guess it's a standard Win XP component? Anyhow, it would be nice if
Microsoft would, as a matter of course in update descriptions of the "If
you have xxx" ilk, say how to find out whether you _do_ have "xxx".

No, .Net is not a component that comes with XP or that is necessary for it's
operation. It is needed by some programs. There are various versions, 1.0,
1.1, 2.0, 3.0. Some programs require a certain version. Most programs
written for 1.1 will run with 2.0 but not all, and some even though they
could run in 2.0 will ask for 1.1. Version 3.0 is a superset of 2.0 so
anything written for 2.0 will run in 3.0. These different versions are
usually offered through windows update even if you don't have any programs
that need .Net.

What is the net result of all this? If you have no programs needing .Net it
doesn't have to be on the computer. If a program needs it and it's not
installed the program will complain and not run.

Look in Add/Remove programs for what versions of .net are installed.

 

[Anthony Buckland]

No, .Net is not a component that comes with XP or that is necessary for
it's operation. It is needed by some programs. There are various
versions, 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0. Some programs require a certain version.
Most programs written for 1.1 will run with 2.0 but not all, and some even
though they could run in 2.0 will ask for 1.1. Version 3.0 is a superset
of 2.0 so anything written for 2.0 will run in 3.0. These different
versions are usually offered through windows update even if you don't have
any programs that need .Net.

What is the net result of all this? If you have no programs needing .Net
it doesn't have to be on the computer. If a program needs it and it's not
installed the program will complain and not run.

Look in Add/Remove programs for what versions of .net are installed.

Thanks. There it was, 2.0. Why don't I think of looking in the right
places for this kind of info? Answer: because I don't know as much
as certain knowledgeable people.

 

[Rock]

Thanks. There it was, 2.0. Why don't I think of looking in the right
places for this kind of info? Answer: because I don't know as much
as certain knowledgeable people.

You're welcome. Lol, it always seems that it's the obvious places we don't
think to look into - like doing a right click on an object to see what
options the context menu gives. Anyway, have fun.