When we turn on our computers, we just expect them to work. Sure, there's customer support if the Internet goes down, and if things get really serious, there's GeekSquad or the Apple Genius Bar, but under normal circumstances, we demand that our computers do as instructed without a second thought, and we take for granted all the little things, the programs which act as unseen movers, that make sure that happens. One such program is the Microsoft .Net framework (Generation II).

The Microsoft .NET framework (Generation II) is a piece of software which is responsible (and indeed, a necessary part of your computer) for the execution and running of applications and programs based on the .NET environment. Think of it in similar terms as the Java Runtime Environment. Just as Java programs must have Java installed to work correctly (or at all), so too must .NET-based programs and apps have the .NET environment.

Luckily, installation is a breeze. Just follow the steps in the installation wizard, and presto, the Microsoft .NET framework will be installed. One thing, though: This isn't a program designed for the end user. It's a system component that allows programs designed for the user to run. That means there's no interface with this software. Aside from installation, the end user won't interact with it, and your computer doesn't need a user interface in the first place.

All technology, even basic, integral pieces of technology, has its highs and lows. The Microsoft .NET framework (Generation II) is no exception. You can read a little bit about both sides below.

Pros

The Microsoft .NET Framework (Generation II) is very easy to install. It's also free, and will allow you to run .NET-based apps and programs, something you can't do without it.

Cons

This software doesn't have a user interface (UI), nor will it run outside of Windows. Mac users and others will need to find their own equivalents, if any.

And that's a wrap for this review. Now that you know a little bit more about the Microsoft .NET framework (Generation II), you should have all the information you need to make an informed downloading decision.