What You Need
A Windows Computer
ASP.NET is a Microsoft technology. To run ASP.NET you need a computer capable of running Windows.
Windows 2000 or XP
If you are serious about developing ASP.NET applications you should install Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Professional.
In both cases, make sure you install the Internet Information Services (IIS) from the Add/Remove Windows components dialog.
Service Packs and Updates
Before ASP.NET can be installed on your computer, it is necessary to have all relevant service packs and security updates installed.
The easiest way to do this is to activate your Windows Internet Update. When you access the Windows Update page, you will be instructed to install the latest service packs and all critical security updates. For Windows 2000, make sure you install Service Pack 2. I will also recommend that you install Internet Explorer 6.
Read the note about connection speed and download time at the bottom of this page.
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Remove Your Beta Version
If you have a Beta version of ASP.NET installed, we recommend that you completely uninstall it. Or even better: start with a fresh Windows 2000 or XP installation.
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Install .NET
From your Windows Update you can now select to install the Microsoft .NET Framework.
After download, the .NET framework will install itself on your computer - there are no options to select for installation.
You should now be ready to develop your first ASP.NET application!
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The .NET Software Development Kit
If you have the necessary bandwidth to download over 130 MB, you might consider downloading the full Microsoft .NET Software Development Kit (SDK).
We fully recommend getting the SDK for learning more about .NET and for the documentation, samples, and tools included.
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Connection Speed and Download Time
If you have a slow Internet connection, you might have problems downloading large files like the service packs, the SDK and the latest version of Internet Explorer.
If download speed is a problem, our best suggestion is to get the latest files from someone else, from a colleague, from a friend, or from one of the CDs that comes with many popular computer magazines. Look for Windows 2000 Service Pack 2, Internet Explorer 6, and the Microsoft .NET Framework.