WHAT IS THE MICROSOFT .NET FRAMEWORK?

The Microsoft .NET Framework is described at the homepage

http://msdn.microsoft.com/netframework/technologyinfo/overview/default.aspx

WHY ALL THE BUSINESS WITH .NET FRAMEWORKS AND REDISTRIBUTABLE PACKAGES?

For those interested in learning where Microsoft is going with .NET, please visit the Longhorn Development Center homepage at http://msdn.microsoft.com/Longhorn/

WHAT ARE THE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLING THE .NET REDISTRIBUTABLE FRAMEWORK?

The system requirements for installing the .NET Framework 1.1 Redistributable package are listed at http://msdn.microsoft.com/netframework/technologyinfo/sysreqs/default.aspx

WHY DOES CHIPST2C NEED THE .NET FRAMEWORK?

Anyone developing software for Windows platforms will need the .NET Framework. The .NET Framework is the key to accessing new technologies that range from DirectX to 64-bit access and garbage collection. As an example, the bitmap- and vector-based GDI+ graphics features in .NET are substantially better than anything offered to date. Future version of Windows (e.g., Longhorn) will include all components of the .NET Framework.