I think there is a little misunderstanding of what .net framework is here, It's analogous to Java in that it's an engine that runs behind the scenes to provide functionality, it helps things run. It is used by certain programs many of which are involved with webpage design and display, it is used for programs like MS Visual Studio, it is also used by some game consoles, the newer applications may require the newer version of .net,older ones will be able to use 1.1 which is standard. However version 2 is NOT backward compatible with version 1.1 which is unfortunate. it's a framework/API to allow quick development of products with less errors, like ASP.net, Office 2007 uses it, and MS has really been pushing .net on the development community so a lot of the newer applications do use .net and when you need or get one of those applications or programs it will tell you that to use it you will need such and such version of .net for it to work (it works in the background to allow things to perform their task) and it will usually offer to have you install it or give the link to install it. here is the wiki on it, somewhat techie but does explain it. .NET Framework so it does not matter if you share files or network that is not what the .net means at all. you can simply leave the one you currently have on your pc as is till some day some program tells you that you will need a newer version of .net to run it, but do make sure if there are hotfixes or patches for the version you have as I mentioned earlier you do get those. I would not advise removing it from your pc either because it is very possible something you have on the pc does use it with out your knowing it.

Thanks, Zep. Not only does the Family Tree program need NET framework "to take advantage of web enhancements offered," it needs it to actually be able to download the program! LOL I used your words "Setup Error framework 3.5 SP1" in a search engine and got better results than when I originally sought a resolution. Came across some thought-provoking ideas about this NET Framework business -- namely, it sounds like I'd have to download previous ones (2.0 and 3.0) before attempting to get 3.5. Auugh. Sounds like that would potentially lead to more issues that needed resolving. (One discussion said that the complete 3.5 framework takes 50-200 MB!) I did bookmark the excellent WindowsBBS site, as well as printed out the discussion "Unable to Install Microsoft, net framework 3.5 SP1." Honestly, at this point I need to decide if I should leave well enough, but pass on installing the Family Tree Maker program for awhile. Maybe enough other people have run into this situation and the manufacturers will come up with a comfortable solution. Thank you for taking the time to help. I do appreciate it. Kat (Am going now to post a question about something else.:))

Hi Everyone, I too wanted to check here about these three updates. After what happened last time, I am intimidated. Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool Sept. 2008 KB890830 Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 1 KB110806 Security Update for Windows XP KB938464 Should I download these? I won't hold anyone responsible should something happen, as the choice is mine. Just want advice on this. Anxiously awaiting replies. Sapphires

More memory is good but at some point there is a diminishing return on the investment and that point is a function of what you are doing with your computer. Things like first person shooter games, video editing, photo editing (of very large files) all benefit from lots of memory. Writing an email to Aunt Betty doesn't require very much memory at all because the computer can process information far faster than you can type. Same thing for the Internet, your computer can render pages faster than your connection can supply the information. So if you have a slow internet connection, you're not likely to experience much, if any improvement. With that said, 4 gigs is probably a pretty good number. If you really want a WOW factor, get a solid state drive and use that for your O/S and critical applications. To try and answer some of your questions: - Windows doesn't care about the physical drive or any logical partitions. It does make good sense to install Windows 7 on the newer, faster drive. You'll get the best performance that way. When it comes time to get rid of XP, everything will be on one drive and that, if nothing else, should help you keep things mentally organized. - My understanding is that you have two physical drives, one with a functioning version of XP and the other blank. If that is not correct, say so NOW. - When you go to install Windows 7, it will recognize that there is another operating system (Windows XP) already installed. Windows 7 won't do anything to XP other than to set up the dual boot. Essentially it's computer language that says, "XP is there, Windows 7 is here, which one do you want to use?" - Logical partitions to a drive a largely a function of personal preference. Understand that it is more difficult (but not impossible) to non-destructively repartition a drive after you put data on it. If you, for example, have a partition for music, another for videos, and a third for pictures and find down the road that you have a lot more videos than music, it becomes more difficult to rearrange things. My suggestion is a single, large partition and use folders to organize your data.