.NET Framework Do I need it and why? Simple explanations please

Mercenary

So far, on my current (fairly fresh) install of WinXP (with IE6 & not IE7) I have refused all M$oft's kind offers of the .NET Framework on my updates as I don't think they are relevant to my usage from the very little I can make out from the descriptions.

i.e.from 1.1 description:
"The .NET Framework is a component of the Windows operating system. For developers, the .NET Framework makes it easy to rapidly create powerful software that maximizes performance, scalability, opportunities for integration, reliability, security, and the end-user experience, while minimizing the costs of deployment and management."

So, Dear (techie) Readers, what the heck does that mean and what are they all actually for (in Disney terms please)? and does the average PC user need them? All the version 'explanations' are just as incomprehensible .

Every time I refuse them I wonder if I'm doing the right thing...but my PC is functioning fine without them. I don't download music and I certainly don't use MSN Messenger (I use Googletalk ) and I don't build websites or design software ....... I can't think why else MS would constantly try to put them in. I simply play violent FPS games :cool:, browse t'internet (mainly using Firefox), send emails, burn files onto CDs and store/Photoshop my photos.

If only Microsoft could try writing explanations in non geek-speak so that we can make PROPERLY informed decisions .

Anyone got answers?

superscaper

Some things legitimately do need the net framework. Some applications I use wouldn't work without it. The networking feature of our all in one printer wouldn't work without it. It is only a suggested download on Microsoft's site, it is only critical when it is an update to an existing copy. If it is under the critical updates then you MUST update or you're leaving yourself vulnerable, if you legitimately don't have any version of framework installed and everything is working then it really doesn't matter about installing the full thing. BTW IE7 is far better than IE6 and more secure.

It's basically as set of code and components that some applications may use or take advantage of rather than having to incorporate their own equivalent code which is essentially reinventing the wheel.

Cerro

.NET is huge, so its hard to explain. But in very simple layman's terms it is a "translator" for programs written using in a dot net language, without some programs just won't work.

Reason for the different versions - different kinds of code (and thats as simple as I can make it for you). Although .NET should be backwards compatible, it doesn't always work out, hence why most people have both 1.1 and 2.0 and from 2008, 3.0.

I have to add... not all MS programs are bad, it depends on how you use them and if you need them or not. Dot Net is probably one of the best things since sliced bread and a large part of it is free!

esuhl

Whenever I've installed software that required the .net framework on a PC (that didn't have it installed), I've always seen a message telling me to download .net first.

So, don't need to worry about whether .net is needed - assume it isn't and (hopefully) you'll be prompted if you ever need it.

Mercenary

superscaper wrote: »

BTW IE7 is far better than IE6 and more secure.

Yes, I'm just waiting 'til any possible bugs have been ironed out before upgrading. I got burned by the beta version with it corrupting a few things and I ended up having to do a clean install to get rid of it.

superscaper wrote: »

if you legitimately don't have any version of framework installed and everything is working then it really doesn't matter about installing the full thing.

I haven't been prompted yet by any program that I currently use, so will continue to hide the updates for the moment.

wolfman

Cerro wrote: »

Although .NET should be backwards compatible, it doesn't always work out, hence why most people have both 1.1 and 2.0 and from 2008, 3.0.

3.0 has been out for a while:
http://www.netfx3.com/

As mentioned, .Net is probably one of, if not the best thing Microsoft has going for it. The framework itself it totally free. It's the hosting that costs (although there are Linux projects like Mono which are changing that).

Mercenary

Cerro wrote: »

.NET is huge, so its hard to explain. But in very simple layman's terms it is a "translator" for programs written using in a dot net language, without some programs just won't work.

As esuhl says, presumably I'll be informed if I ever have a program that needs it then, since I can't figure it out upfront from the description?

Cerro wrote: »

... not all MS programs are bad, it depends on how you use them and if you need them or not.

I know they're not all bad, I just don't like the way some of them are in there whether you want them or not :cool:.

superscaper

Mercenary wrote: »

Yes, I'm just waiting 'til any possible bugs have been ironed out before upgrading. I got burned by the beta version with it corrupting a few things and I ended up having to do a clean install to get rid of it.

That's the risk of a beta, as for bugs I've not come across any and I've been using the full release version since it's official launch. Besides there's no such thing as bug free software.

Mercenary

wolfman wrote: »

3.0 has been out for a while:
http://www.netfx3.com/

As mentioned, .Net is probably one of, if not the best thing Microsoft has going for it. The framework itself it totally free. It's the hosting that costs (although there are Linux projects like Mono which are changing that).

Ahhhh one of the Big Guns!:D *bows abjectly*

Yes, but what would I need it for? Hosting? What?
I'm all for using something that is fabulous and useful, but I don't want to download it for nothing and have it sit on my PC twiddling it's thumbs.
For the average Windows-Update user the descriptions for some of the available non-critical downloads are shrouded in mysterious words and phrases which are as clear as mud. It just isn't always possible to determine which ones you could make proper use of.
I know some jargon and basic computer stuff, but I'm no techie.


Thanks to all for trying to enlighten me, anyway.

wolfman

You probably won't need it. In simplistic terms you'd need them to be able to run any applications that have been built/coded using the .Net framework. For example Paint .Net (http://www.getpaint.net/index2.html). The .Net framework was largely introduced after XP, hence not being included (but it is with Vista).

Some people are starting to develop applications using .Net though so in time it'll become more common to have it, especially as Vista gets adopted more and more. I've come across a couple of apps I like that use it but I can't remember which (as I've got it installed anyway).

Sounds like you don't need it.

Mercenary

Thankyou wolfman, and to everyone else who replied .

The reasonable course of action would seem to be that I play the waiting game, and get it installed if and when I'm prompted for it by an irate program .