Many versions of C++ redistributable

I was investigating the number of event error 33 side by side notifications on my wifes Win7 32 bit machine.
I took a look at her C++ redistributable version(s) installations and there were 4 different installations.

Looking at my own PC (again 32 bit) I noted I had 6 entries of C ++ redistributable - but I was not getting event 33 'problems'.
Comparing the two, It seemed that the first PC did not have 2008, which I have now installed, and will see if this does the trick.
Is it usual to have all these various versions apparently installed?

Yes, its mostly required by softwares and also by the operating system. If you get rid of them they will come back anyway with a software update.

Got Four regular of these, plus the latest i installed few times ago.

You guys must be shorting yourself on useful programs. :)

Here's my list.

Purgatory said:

Is it usual to have all these various versions apparently installed?

Yes. You should be alerted to required updates depending on the software installed on your PC.

Many thanks for your input guys, very interesting.:)
You learn something every day!

Just a quick note to say that some of these are installed by windows updates when they need patching and some of those listed are the service packs for each version. Other versions are installed when you install software that requires them.

Side by side configuration issues:

General opinion seems to be remove problem versions and run a system cleaner like Ccleaner before rebooting and installing the latest versions and service packs. What's confusing is that the installer has the same file name for both the C++ Runtime version and service pack! The installer need to be kept in separate locations or they overwrite each other.

Here's mine and all software works and no install problems.

Note:

One version each for 2008, 2010 & 2012 (one entry for each version is the service pack)

Three versions for 2005 - not sure why. Note the install dates.

I have added 2008 to my wifes PC - this had no effect.
I have now added 2013, and will see how that goes.
Thank you to all who have contributed so far