The .NET Framework
The Microsoft .NET ("dotnet") Framework is a set software routines being promoted by Microsoft for use by new Windows applications (such as GEDmill).
Practically all recent PCs (i.e. just a few years old) will already have the .NET Framework installed. You can find out if it is installed on your computer by following these instructions:
- Click the START button on your Windows desktop.
- Select Settings.
- Select Control Panel.
- Double-click the Add or Remove Programs icon.
- Look through the list for an entry called Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1, or similar.
If it is there, great, you can download and use GEDmill straight away!
If not, you will need to install it by following this link to Microsoft's web site. Once there, click the Download button near the top of the page to begin the installation process.
Note that the .NET Framework represents a significant number of additions to the Windows operating system, and the installation file is big (23MB). Therefore it may take some time to download, especially on a dial-up link. (Microsoft estimate 1 hour for a 56K modem.) Once installed, however, you will have access to the growing number of applications which use this new platform.