The .NET Framework is a software platform released by Microsoft in 2002. The platform is based on the Common Language Runtime (CLR), which can run both standard programs and server-side web applications. The .NET Framework supports the creation of programs written in various programming languages. The platform is essential for the installation and proper operation of many programs, making it a must-have for users.
Version 1.0 is rarely used anymore, so it’s recommended to install it only when necessary, for programs that specifically require it (Visual Studio 2002, some versions of Sound Forge, etc.). Version 1.1 doesn’t include version 1.0, doesn’t require it, and doesn’t replace it during installation. It’s used more often, but it’s recommended to install it only when necessary, for programs that are tightly coupled to it. This is because .NET Framework 2.0 provides backward compatibility with previous versions, and most programs written for 1.0 and 1.1 run seamlessly in the 2.0 environment (just as programs written for 1.0 can run under version 1.1). To avoid conflicts, it’s not recommended to install versions 1.0 and 1.1 simultaneously (they share some registry entries). Versions 1.1 and 1.1 SP1 are included with Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2003 SP1 / R2SP1 / SP2 / R2SP2 operating systems, respectively. Version 1.1 SP1 is also distributed on discs with Windows XP SP2 and SP3 operating systems (as a separate distribution).
Supported operating systems: Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 for Itanium-based Systems, Windows Server 2003 x64 editions, Windows Server 2008 Datacenter, Windows Server 2008 Enterprise, Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems, Windows Server 2008 Standard, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Enterprise, Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Starter, Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows XP, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.
Version 2.0 SP2 includes versions 2.0 and 2.0 SP1 and replaces them during installation. The latest version supporting Windows 2000. To install this and previous versions under this operating system, you may need to install update KB835732. This version is included with Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 / R2, and Windows 7. Supported operating systems: Windows 2000 Service Pack 4, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP Service Pack 2. Version 3.0 SP2 does not include version 2.0 SP2, but requires it for installation. The unofficial distribution downloaded from the link includes both of these versions for x86 and x64 systems. The Russian language pack for version 3.0 SP2 is not included in the distribution and is not distributed separately. When installing on a clean system, you may need the Microsoft Core XML Services 6.0 aka MSXML 6.0 Parser component (included in the distribution). This version is included with Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2/R2, and Windows 7. Supported operating systems: Windows Server 2003; Windows XP Version 3.5 SP1
Includes versions 2.0 SP2 and 3.0 SP2. At the beginning of the installation, it makes an attempt to connect to the Internet to download the language pack. If you already have this pack, the installation should be performed while disconnected from the network. After several unsuccessful connection attempts, the installation will continue as usual. This version is included with the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 operating systems. Supported operating systems: Windows Server 2003; Windows Server 2008; Windows Vista; Windows XP Version 4 does not include previous versions (1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0, 3.5), does not require their presence during installation and does not replace them. Client Profile is intended for users and enables the launch of applications using the functions of the .NET Framework 4 Full platform contains additional functions not included in the Client Profile, intended for application developers. Supported operating systems: Windows 7; Windows 7 Service Pack 1; Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2; Windows Server 2008; Windows Server 2008 R2; Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1; Windows Vista Service Pack 1; Windows XP Service Pack 3 Version 4.5 is a highly compatible, in-place update to the .NET Framework 4. Version 4.5 replaces version 4.0 and does not include previous versions (1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0, 3.5) and is included with Windows 8. Removing version 4.5 also removes earlier versions of 4.0. If you need to revert to version 4.0, you must reinstall version 4.0 with all updates. Supported operating systems: Windows 7 Service Pack 1; Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1; Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2; Windows Vista Service Pack 2 The Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.2 is a highly compatible, in-place update for the Microsoft .NET Framework 4 and Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5. This package can be used with Windows Vista Service Pack 2, Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2, and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1. The Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6 is a highly compatible, in-place update for the Microsoft .NET Framework 4, Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5, Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.1, and Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.2. This package can be used with Windows 7 Service Pack 1; Windows 8; Windows 8.1; Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1; Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2; Windows Server 2012; Windows Server 2012 R2; Windows Vista Service Pack 2