NET Framework What is it and Do I need it?

[CGB]

I'm running XP SP2 and when doing my frequent check for updates at MSN, it
gives as a second priority update, Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0. I have no
idea what .NET is, despite browsing around a lot of places and trying to
learn about it. In Add/Remove programs, I have the option to remove .NET
vers. 1.1 so I must have it on my system.

Major Geeks says, "Framework is the programming model of the .NET
environment for building, deploying, and running Web-based applications,
smart client applications, and XML Web services. It manages much of the
plumbing, enabling developers to focus on writing the business logic code
for their applications. The .NET Framework includes the common language
runtime and class libraries." This is all Greek to me and I'm not Greek!!

I have a home computer, not networked with anything (other than cable ISP).
I'm not writing software or business logic code or XML services (whatever
they are), etc.

Just what does .NET do, in simple terms? In my type use, do I need it?
I'll update to 2.0 from 1.1, just to keep current but I've read a very few
complaints that people had trouble with the update and if it's
inconsequential, I won't bother.

Thanks.

Chet

 

[Ted Zieglar]

..Net is part of the Windows operating system. In essence, it's a programming
framework for web developers. It's not doing you any harm, so there's no
need to try to remove it. Many software applications won't work without it.

If you're really interested in Windows' internal plumbing, and you enjoy
wading through thick techno-speak, there's plenty of technical information
about it on the internet. You may find an easier-to-understand explanation
if you include words such as 'introduction' or 'basic' in your web search.

You are going to have .net installed on your computer sooner or later. You
can either get it from Microsoft now (the method I prefer) or from a
software application you install that requires it. My opinion, FWIW: There
are more interesting things to do with your computer than to worry about an
update to your operating system whose meaning defies explanation in words
you can find in the dictionary.

[For the record: I actually do understand a fair amount about what .Net is,
but that's because I spent a good week reading about it. Nobody needs to be
that stubborn.]

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Just what does .NET do, in simple terms? In my type use, do I need
it? I'll update to 2.0 from 1.1, just to keep current but I've read a
very few complaints that people had trouble with the update and if
it's inconsequential, I won't bother

The .net framework is a runtime file needed to run programs written with
..net. It's roughly analogous to the old vbrunXXX.dll files needed to run
programs written in Visual Basic. Because .net is relatively new, there
aren't yet a lot of programs that use it. A few months ago I had none. Today
I have three. Even if you don't run any of these programs now, it's likely
that you will soon, so my recommendation is that you might as well get and
keep this, so it will be there when you need it.

 

[CGB]

Thank you for the replies. Based on your replies, I will keep it updated
and not worry about it. When the programs come online for it, it will be
there. I really don't know what all the explanations mean but trust that it
is something that may be useful, if not now, in the future.

Chet

 

[Guest]

Chet, thanks for asking that question!

 

[Guest]

Ted, Thanks for your clear and concise reply! Big help to me as well!

..Net is part of the Windows operating system. In essence, it's a programming
framework for web developers. It's not doing you any harm, so there's no
need to try to remove it. Many software applications won't work without it.

If you're really interested in Windows' internal plumbing, and you enjoy
wading through thick techno-speak, there's plenty of technical information
about it on the internet. You may find an easier-to-understand explanation
if you include words such as 'introduction' or 'basic' in your web search.

You are going to have .net installed on your computer sooner or later. You
can either get it from Microsoft now (the method I prefer) or from a
software application you install that requires it. My opinion, FWIW: There
are more interesting things to do with your computer than to worry about an
update to your operating system whose meaning defies explanation in words
you can find in the dictionary.

[For the record: I actually do understand a fair amount about what .Net is,
but that's because I spent a good week reading about it. Nobody needs to be
that stubborn.]

--
Ted Zieglar
"You can do it if you try."

I'm running XP SP2 and when doing my frequent check for updates at MSN, it
gives as a second priority update, Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0. I have no
idea what .NET is, despite browsing around a lot of places and trying to
learn about it. In Add/Remove programs, I have the option to remove .NET
vers. 1.1 so I must have it on my system.

Major Geeks says, "Framework is the programming model of the .NET
environment for building, deploying, and running Web-based applications,
smart client applications, and XML Web services. It manages much of the
plumbing, enabling developers to focus on writing the business logic code
for their applications. The .NET Framework includes the common language
runtime and class libraries." This is all Greek to me and I'm not Greek!!

I have a home computer, not networked with anything (other than cable ISP).
I'm not writing software or business logic code or XML services (whatever
they are), etc.

Just what does .NET do, in simple terms? In my type use, do I need it?
I'll update to 2.0 from 1.1, just to keep current but I've read a very few
complaints that people had trouble with the update and if it's
inconsequential, I won't bother.

Thanks.

Chet

 

[Guest]

Ken, Thanks for your clear and concise reply! Big help to me as well!

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Ken, Thanks for your clear and concise reply! Big help to me as well!

You're welcome. Glad to help.