.net: Definition and additional resources from ZDNet

(1) (.NETwork) A top-level Internet domain used by carriers, ISPs and other communications-oriented organizations. See Internet domain name.

(2) (.NET) A comprehensive software development platform from Microsoft that was introduced in 2000 as the company's next generation programming environment. Pronounced "dot-net," and widely known as the ".NET Framework," it was designed to compete with the Java J2EE platform.

.NET and CLI
The European Computer Manufacturers Association (ECMA) has standardized .NET as the Common Language Infrastructure (CLI). ECMA also standardized the C# programming language, designed by Microsoft to be the flagship .NET language. Depending on the class libraries used, the output of .NET and CLI compilers may be identical or not.

Web Services and Component Software
Microsoft's .NET supports SOAP-based Web services and Microsoft's next generation component software, expected at a later date. In the interim, .NET supports Microsoft's COM component software model. Version 2.0 of .NET, introduced in 2005, incorporates the WinFX API, which is the programming interface included in Windows Vista.

The Heart of .NET/CLI
The heart of .NET/CLI is a cross platform language system. Similar to Java because it uses an intermediate bytecode language that can be executed on any hardware platform that has a runtime engine, it is also unlike Java, as it provides support for multiple programming languages.

.NET compilers generate Microsoft Intermediate Language (MSIL) bytecode, and CLI compilers generate Common Intermediate Language (CIL) bytecode. MSIL is executed by the Common Language Runtime (CLR), and CIL bytecode is executed by the Virtual Execution System (VES). Both the CLR and VES are runtime engines like the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) in Java (see Java Virtual Machine).

.NET Programming Languages
Microsoft provides several .NET languages, including C# (C Sharp), J# (J Sharp), Managed C++, JScript.NET and Visual Basic.NET. Numerous other languages have been reengineered as CLI languages as can be seen in the following diagram (see CLI). See CLR, .NET Enterprise Server and C#.

Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia.
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Additional Resources

Aspose.Recognition for .NET (zip): With Aspose.Recognition you can add intelligent PDF to word processing documents conversion to your 32-bit and 64-bit .NET applications. Aspose.Recognition reads a PDF file, recognizes editable document structures and allows saving the resulting document as Microsoft Word DOC, Office Open XML OOXML, OpenDocument ODT, Rich Text Format RTF, Wordprocessing ML...; Tags: Adobe PDF, Office Open XML, Aspose, Aspose.Recognition, Xhtml, OpenDocument Format (ODF), .Net, Application Servers, Middleware, Scripting Languages, Software/Web Development, Web Development, Emerging Technologies, Software Development, Enterprise Software, Software; Software downloads 2008-07-04
EIC podcast: Search wars; Viacom vs. YouTube (and its users): EIC podcast: Search wars; Viacom vs. YouTube and its usersViacom's Data DragnetIt seems to me that their is no justification for allowing this data dragnet.Whether dynamic or static, IP addresses can be traced back to many of the original users through data from Internet service providers. The Whitter article cited...; Tags: Viacom Inc., YouTube Inc., IP address; Discussion threads 2008-07-03
Say it ain't so AVG, say it ain't so: AVG LinkScanner = Badware?: The Register covered a very interesting story about AVG.Â ApparentlyÂ AVG is spamming the Internet withÂ traffic that looks to be coming fromÂ Internet Explorer.Â AVG software pre-crawls search results to try to protect users, but uses a user agent that makes the software appear to be Internet Explorer.Â ThisÂ pre-crawling isÂ flooding websites with...; Tags: Webmaster, Traffic, Malware, Register, Spyware, Adware & Malware, Cyberthreats, Security, Scanners, Internet, Viruses And Worms, Hardware, Peripherals, Nathan McFeters; Blog posts 2008-07-03
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RapidDowner (exe): RapidDowner is a download manager for Rapidshare Services. Along with link management and image recognition. Use this program to by pass the 110 minute waiting time limit and make it in a few minutes. Built on the .net framework and forum supported. Make Rapidshare your free hosting service. This is...; Tags: Minute, Friend-Soft IT Solutions, RapidDowner, .Net, Backups, Software Development, Software/Web Development; Software downloads 2008-07-03
PasteCopy.NET (zip): A small, simple cut & paste clipboard freeware utility, helping you organizing your cut & paste. Save a list of selected phrases & screenshots, copy to clipboard by clicking a phrase. Available languages: English, Norwegian and Portuguese. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.; Tags: Freeware, Phrase, Cut, SundryTools; Software downloads 2008-07-03
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Antivirus vendor introducing virtual keyboard for secure Ebanking: Kaspersky's most recent product launch of the Kaspersky Internet Security 2009, is featuring a virtual keyboard "a secure pop-up that enables logins, passwords, bank card details and other important personal information to be entered safely to prevent the theft of confidential information" aiming to protect users from keyloggers, and consequently...; Tags: Bank, Antivirus, Virtual Keyboard, Malware, Kaspersky, Ebanking Malware, Keyboards, Hardware, Peripherals, Dancho Danchev; Blog posts 2008-07-02
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DirectPrompt (exe): Direct Prompt is teleprompting software that was written with Microsoft Direct X and .NET technology for the Windows Operating System. It allows for ultra-smooth, flicker-free scrolling text by harnessing the raw power of your video card. Direct Prompt is the ideal solution for anyone searching for an affordable prompting solution...; Tags: Solution, DirectPrompt, Microsoft Windows, Video Cards, Corporate Communications, Operating Systems, .Net, Software, Hardware, Components, Marketing, Software Development, Software/Web Development; Software downloads 2008-07-02
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Auto SQL .NET (zip): Develop data-driven applications your way, only faster. Use our GUI tool to automatically generate your data access layer DAL and feature-rich business classes BLL, and customize them at any time. Use our runtime API to generate dynamic requests, all safely parameterized for security. C# and VB .NET are supported along...; Tags: Auto SQL .NET, C#, Databases, .Net, Programming Languages, Storage, Software Development, Software/Web Development, Enterprise Software, Software, Data Management, Hardware; Software downloads 2008-07-02
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Windows Vista, meet my Mother-In-Law: Windows Vista, meet my Mother-In-LawIt's not Vista Stupid It's YouI hate when people try to blame problems on Vista that don't belong to it. If you're having problems with AOL IM working with Vista, then the problem is AOL. They have had over 2 years to get their...; Tags: Microsoft Windows Vista (Longhorn), Microsoft Windows Vista, Mother-in-Law, Microsoft Windows; Discussion threads 2008-07-01