Which version of .NET framework is better for a beginner ?

If you want to write code targeting the .NET framework, you will need the .NET framework SDK, which is available for free from the Microsoft Websites. you might also want to try the free Express versions of Microsoft visual studio.

I would recommend you install version 2.0 of the .NET framework SDK. 1.1 is slightly outdated, and 3.0 is brand new and requires a lot of prerequisites.

I cannot remember the .NET framework having any prerequisites as you mentioned. Just go ahead and attempt the install, it should work OK.

I would recommend that you start with the most recent available version of .Net Framework if you are starting as a .Net framework programmer. As all the newer versions are backward compatible and they have improved programming constructs in the newer versions. As a beginner you need to pick up a specific language like C# or anything else for that matter which you feel is closest to the language you are well versed in , so if you are a Java or C++ programmer your take should be C# or if you have a scripting background you may like to start working on JScript or VBScript , thats really up to you. There is no specific perquisite for the framework installation. All you need is follow the standard installation steps and you are on. The you can look at the basic example application programs available on the MSDN site in the language you choose for your .Net programing. Look at them , try to compile them and try to run them in debug them. I think you can learn a lot by that. Then what you can do is , take a mini project that implements a minimum UI , some application logic and a database connectivity , so that you get a full flow. Try that and I think you will be comfortable and confident enough to proceed towards more complex programs.

IT up to u