Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 1

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/945757

When you access an application on a Web site that uses the .NET Framework, and the Web site's home directory is the root directory of the host computer, the server returns a page that contains an HTTP 404 error message. Additionally, you receive the following error message: Server Error in '/Test' Application

The resource cannot be found 404

(General Availability) Operating system Windows NT 4.0, Windows 98 and above

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:.NET_Framework

Another criticism of .NET is that MS solved one problem (DLL Hell) and created a new one (Runtime Hell).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:.NET_Framework#Installation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.NET_Framework_version_list

If you don't like spyware stay with NET framwork 1.1, 2, 3? now 3.5 is bad allso setup dates on ' Notify me but don't automatically download or install them '.
As NET Framework will up date 2 to 3 to 3.5, see MS09-054: IE and Firefox Attack Surface
(WPF) plug-in enabled in Firefox, your computer is vulnerable.
all so see Firefox

Thank You hotdoge3 for noting the security fix. As he said, install the hotfix patches. Here's a tip, if you need one .net, install them all.
Download each version,
install them (Use your head, install 3.5 before 3.5 SP, I take no responsibility for Idiocy) =)
Restart system
load Windows update, chose CUSTOM! The hotfix may or may not show up in Express or Automatic Updates, Chose the various .Net hotfixes.
click download and install, wait forever.
Click finish, restart computer, done! =)

MORE RUNTIMES

Wine (Wine Is Not an Emulator). Wine Is Not an Emulator is an emulated Virtual Machine Runtime for Linux. It allows Linux users to run windows programs. In my usage;
Wine can run almost all
x16 (Windows 2.x, 3.xx, .CCND),
many x32 programs (95-SR1+, 98, ME), Windows CE 1x-3x) XPSP1+, Server 2003, Media Center Server x32, Vista x32 (NOT "Designed for Windows Vista Only")
Some x64 with x32 support coding (XP x64, "Works With Windows Vista) x64
All NT32 (NT 4x, Windows 2000, XP
Some IA-64
http://www.winehq.org/download/

Python Library Installer
Python X32
http://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.0/python-3.0.msi

Python x64
http://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.0/python-3.0.amd64.msi

All so see Debate: Is it worth installing .net framework, which some of the GOTDs need?

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/4327

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.NET_Framework **

IMPORTANT: After installing the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 package (either the bootstrapper or the full package) you should immediately install the update KB959209 to address a set of known application compatibility issues.
Do not unregister COM components that may be needed by other applications running under a different version of the .NET Framework.
*
Do not change InprocServer32 or other registry entries for a COM server that was already registered. Reg Cleaner may kill NET Framework old cleaner no good
*
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Others/Signatures-Updates/Microsoft-NET-Framework-Service-Pack.shtml
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. * To fit Fist or it not work,
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)

Important: You cannot install two different language versions of the .NET Framework on the same machine.

I posted this on a general page but thought it would be useful here where everyone can see it. These are the parts, requirements, et al for many 2nd tier programs.

I'll update this with C/C+/C# runtimes, Douglas Peril Underscripting, and Python Overscripting/Postscripting once I figure out direct links to those pages.

.NET should be installed by Anyone who uses 2nd tier software (or lower).
List of software to help all GOTD users for this and other GOTD programs

.Net 1.1 x86 ONLY
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-gb/netframework/aa569264.aspx

.net 2 all versions
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-gb/netframework/aa731542.aspx

net 3 all versions
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-gb/netframework/bb264589.aspx

.net 3.5 all versions
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/netframework/cc378097.aspx

.net 3.5 SP 1 all versions requires 3.5
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/netframework/aa569263.aspx

Java Runtime Windows latest
http://java.com/en/download/windows_xpi.jsp?locale=en&host=java.com:80

Java Runtime Non-windows (for those emulating windows or running IA and Motorola chips)
http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp

Java Older Runtimes
http://java.sun.com/products/archive/

Visual Basic Runtime Modules 3-6
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/vbruntime

VBRun pre-1996
NOTE: Be careful looking for VBRun.dll VB16Run.dll and VB2.dll as many viruses also use these older files. Microsoft no longer uses them.
They were available from members.aol .com/database/mirror for quite some time. Also try static.aol9 .aol.members.com
archive listing (all the old AOL service files that were in AOL and Member boards on the actual AOL service (pre internet)). Both site layers are sometimes up/mosttimes down.
Top level is Computing -> Drivers -> windows -> runtimes -> and look for them. They are raw DLL files that need to be dropped into the /system directory. Will NOT WORK ON X64, IA64, MOTOROLA

Please use your head when downloading. Go to the official sites for scripts, runtimes, and frameworks.