Microsoft .NET 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.

The Microsoft .NET Framework version 2.0 redistributable package installs the .NET Framework runtime and associated files required to run applications developed to target the .NET Framework 2.0.

The .NET Framework version 2.0 improves scalability and performance of applications with improved caching, application deployment and updating with ClickOnce, support for the broadest array of browsers and devices with ASP.NET 2.0 controls and services.

Important: You cannot install two different language versions of the .NET Framework on the same machine. Attempting to install a second language version of the .NET Framework will cause the following error to appear: “Setup cannot install Microsoft .NET Framework because another version of the product is already installed.” If you are targeting a non-English platform or if you wish to view .NET Framework resources in a different language, you must download the appropriate language version of the .NET Framework language pack

Requirements:

· Windows Installer 3.0 (except for Windows 98/ME, which require Windows Installer 2.0 or later). Windows Installer 3.1 or later is recommended.
· IE 5.01 or later: You must also be running Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 or later for all installations of the .NET Framework.
· Disk Space Requirements: 280 MB (x86), 610 MB (x64)

Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 1 Language Packs contain translated text, such as error messages, for languages other than English. Without the installation of a Language Pack, these messages are displayed in English by default.

Multiple language packs, each for a different language, can be installed on a single computer. Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 SP1 Language Packs contain translated text, such as error messages, for each language.

The following Language Packs are designed for NET Framework 2.0 SP1 x86 ONLY : French , Greek , Spanish , Italian , German , Japanese.

The following Language Packs are designed for NET Framework 2.0 SP1 x64 ONLY : French , Korean , Spanish , Italian , German , Japanese.

The following Language Packs are designed for NET Framework 2.0 SP1 IA64 ONLY : French , Korean , Spanish , Italian , German , Japanese.