Resolved Microsoft .NET Framework versions "cumulative" ?

At Microsoft Download Center, Microsoft .NET Framework Version 2.0 Redistributable Package (x86) has a red "stop sign" informing that "A newer version is available" > Microsoft .NET Framework 4. Does this mean that I should install version 4 and not version 2.0 which is prompted by an application?

All download locations for older versions have the same "stop sign ". Does this mean that they are all superseeded by version 4?

 

I always go by what Win updates recommends...And from what I understand - they are different versions and you need all 4.

 

Well, Windows/Microsoft Update doesn't tell me what my applications need but my understanding is that an application programmed with version 2.0 needs version 2.0. to run. This is also indicated in Version Compatibility in the .NET Framework and if that's the "general truth ", the "stop sign" at Microsoft Download Center is very misleading ... ... !

 

I think we're almost saying the same thing

If you have an app that wants/needs/won't work without version 2 - you must install version 2.

 

I went "empirical" and did a test. I installed Microsoft .NET Framework 4 (no other version installed). Next, I installed the ATI display driver but I unticked the box for ".NET 2.0 ". Upon rebooting the first to occur was a popup with a warning that "Microsoft .NET Framework 2" is required to run ATI CCC. Please, download and install." or words to that meaning.

Conclusion: New versions of .NET Framework do not superseede older versions.

However: If what's needed to run the software actually is included in version 4, it can (by the software designer) be "retagged" to accept version 4 in addition to version "previous ". That's my understanding of Version Compatibility in the .NET Framework.