The .Net Framework is a key Microsoft offering and it provides a Multilanguage environment that enables you to develop , deploy, and run Windows applications, Web applications as well as Web services.

The .Net languages extends developers capabilities by introducing Structured Exception Handling, Multi Threaded Programming, Versioning, ability to quickly create and use Web Services etc. The following link gives you an overview of each important components in the .Net Framework .

Microsoft .Net Framework Step by Step