Installing Microsoft.NET Framework 4

[Matilda]

My online backup service wouldn't update unless I install this version. Because I'm a computer illiterate beyond the basics, I checked to see what I already have, and I have up to Framework 3.5.

I think my IT guy must have installed these at some time, but I'm wondering whether a dummy can do it herself, or do I need to help from him? I'd like to save myself some money, but I don't want to wreck the computer, if it's not as easy as it appears.

Any advice for me, please?

[PoliticAverse]

1. It's simple to do with the built in Windows Update. Have you ever used that? Also...

which version of Windows are you using?

[Matilda]

2. I haven't ever done an update myself,

only the regular ones that Windows performs itself.

I'm currently using Windows XP.

[PoliticAverse]

3. Click on the Start icon...

then in the search box type: Windows Update
Windows Update should show in the results box click on it.

The .Net upgrade will either be listed under 'Important' or 'Optional'
upgrades, click on those until you see it, then click in the check box
to enable the .net 4.xx upgrade and then OK. Then Install Updates

It'll take a few minutes to do the update and it will probably have to restart Windows
in the process.

[Matilda]

4. Thank you!

I'll give it a try and let you know how I go.

[Matilda]

5. Done!

I held my breath, but it was simple to do.

Thank you so much!

[PoliticAverse]

6. You are welcome, glad it worked. BTW Microsoft support for XP is scheduled to end...

April 8, 2014...

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/end-support-help

[Matilda]

7. Yes, I know.

I've put off getting Windows 7 because it doesn't have a mail component, and I need Outlook Express (or Outlook) for my work. I hope there's a way of installing it and linking to a mail server, but that will take an IT person to do, I'm sure. Something for the new year.

[RC]

9. Do you use outlook just for the E-mail, or do you use other features?

If just for the E-mail, there are several, better E-mail clients. There are other clients that have calendars and such.
For instance I use Thunderbird for my E-mail. But I have no need for any of the 'extras' that outlook has.
It serves me well and I can sort and save from my multiple E-mail addresses.

[Matilda]

10. I use it for email.

I do have two gmail accounts, but those are for purely personal use. For my business, the Outlook account is linked to my website - there is an "info@" link on the website which directs mail to my Inbox so I don't know how easy/difficult it would be to change. For the rest, I use it to communicate with clients throughout the day – email has replaced the phone for me.

But I don't use any other functions of Outlook.

[RC]

12. My favorite E-mail client

Mozilla Thunderbird - http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/

You can setup several E-mail addresses. Setting up is as easy as entering your E-mail address and its password.

Some information:
The Best Email Client for Windows
http://lifehacker.com/5811787/the-best-email-client-for-windows

Or you can Google E-mail Clients

Any questions, someone here should be able to answer them.

[Matilda]

13. Thanks!

I'll check them out, because I know I'm going to have to do something soon.

[Fantastic Anarchist]

18. Microsoft HUP

If you work for a company that has license contracts with Microsoft, then Microsoft will give you Microsoft Office (which includes Outlook) for $9.95 (yes, that's Nine Dollars and Ninety Five Cents).

You simply put in your work email, you'll get a program code, put that in, and voila.

I may put this as its own thread.

Microsoft Home Use Program (HUP)

[TorchTheWitch]

17. You know it's weird but I never got the 4 upgrade

and I always have done the automatic Windows updates. There's even a 4.5 but it's not supported by XP which I have. I just had to download and install 4 since I never got it through the Windows updates, and just today I found I had to find it and intall it because another program I was trying to install said I had to or the program wouldn't work. I still have no idea what .NET framework actually does.

[PrestonLocke]

8. No!

but I'm wondering whether a dummy can do it herself,

Please don't take this the wrong way, but I can't stand it when people approach IT like this. You're not a dummy! Nobody here is a dummy! Using terms like that belittles everyone involved in the process. Sure, maybe some of people know more about computers than others, that does not make them inherently smarter and it absolutely does not make you or anyone else inherently a dummy.

We all share the capacity to learn and when you put yourself down like that, it makes it all but impossible for you to have the confidence to try to fix it on your own. Which, obviously, you were able to tackle the problem and you're not a dummy!

[Matilda]

11. I hang my head in shame!

I have to confess that when I looked at the Windows site and read what this Framework 4 can do, it was like reading a foreign language! I really have no idea of these functions they were talking about, and I felt seriously stupid. There is so much I don't know about computers, even though I couldn't survive now without one.

[PrestonLocke]

14. Very sorry, didn't mean to shame you!

Never feel stupid when you are confronted with terminology that is unfamiliar.

[ohheckyeah]

15. Nobody pops out of the womb

knowing computer jargon or how to fix things on a computer. That doesn't make them a dummy.

[Matilda]

16. You're all very kind.

I just learned how to do what I need to know by people telling to do this or that, or sometimes just by Googling the information I need. But I've never done a course, and my knowledge is very limited - when I read something that's full of "computer speak", I really do feel very ignorant.

So I'm very grateful to people on this forum for steering me in the right direction when I'm at a loss as to what to do.