what is .NET Framework 3.0

The Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 (formerly WinFX), is the new managed code programming model for Windows.



It combines the power of the .NET Framework 2.0 with four new technologies: Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), Windows Workflow Foundation (WF), and Windows CardSpace (WCS, formerly "InfoCard").

Use the .NET Framework 3.0 today to build applications that have visually compelling user experiences, seamless communication across technology boundaries, the ability to support a wide range of business processes, and an easier way to manage your personal information online. Now the same great WinFX technology you know and love has a new name that identifies it for exactly what it is – the next version of Microsoft’s development framework. This change does not affect the release schedule of the .NET Framework 3.0 or the technologies included as a part of the package.

Why is the .NET Framework 3.0 a major version number of the .NET Framework if it uses the .NET Framework 2.0 runtime and compiler?

The new technologies delivered in the .NET Framework 3.0, including WCF, WF, WPF, and CardSpace, offer tremendous functionality and innovation, and we wanted to signal that with a major release number.

Which version of the Common Language Runtime (CLR) does the .NET Framework 3.0 use?

The .NET Framework 3.0 uses the 2.0 version of the CLR. With this release, the overall developer platform version has been decoupled from the core CLR engine version. We expect the lower level components of the .NET Framework such as the engine to change less than higher level APIs, and this decoupling helps retain customers' investments in the technology.

Will the name change be reflected in any of the existing .NET Framework 2.0 APIs, assemblies, or namespaces?

There will be no changes to any of the existing .NET Framework 2.0 APIs, assemblies, or namespaces. The applications that you've built on .NET Framework 2.0 will continue to run on the .NET Framework 3.0 just as they have before.

How does the .NET Framework 3.0 relate to the .NET Framework 2.0?

The .NET Framework 3.0 is an additive release to the .NET Framework 2.0. The .NET Framework 3.0 adds four new technologies to the .NET Framework 2.0: Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), Windows Workflow Foundation (WF), Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), and Windows CardSpace. There are no changes to the version of the .NET Framework 2.0 components included in the .NET Framework 3.0. This means that the millions of developers who use .NET today can use the skills they already have to start building .NET Framework 3.0 applications. It also means that applications that run on the .NET Framework 2.0 today will continue to run on the .NET Framework 3.0.

What happens to the WinFX technologies?

The WinFX technologies will now be released under the name .NET Framework 3.0. There are no changes to the WinFX technologies or ship schedule — the same technologies you're familiar with now simply have a new name.

What is the .NET Framework 3.0 (formerly WinFX)?

The .NET Framework 3.0 is Microsoft's managed code programming model. It is a superset of the .NET Framework 2.0, combining .NET Framework 2.0 components with new technologies for building applications that have visually stunning user experiences, seamless and secure communication, and the ability to model a range of business processes. In addition to the .NET Framework 2.0, it includes Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), Windows Workflow Foundation (WF), Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), and Windows CardSpace.

System Requirements for Installing .NET Framework 3.0

Processor

Minimum: 400 megahertz (MHz) Pentium processor
Recommended: 1 gigahertz (GHz) Pentium processor

Operating System

.NET Framework 3.0 can be installed on any of the following systems:

Microsoft Windows 2003 Server Service Pack 1 (SP1)
Windows XP SP2
Windows Vista *

*Windows Vista comes with .NET Framework 3.0. There is no separate installation package required. The standalone .NET Framework 3.0 packages are not supported on Vista.

RAM

Minimum: 96 megabytes (MB)
Recommended:256 MB

Hard Disk

Up to 500 MB of available space may be required.
CD or DVD Drive Not required.

Display Minimum: 800 x 600, 256 colors
Recommended:1024 x 768 high color, 32-bit

Mouse Not required