Do I really need security update for .NET Framework 3.5.1?

Windows Update has been bugging me for some time with two important updates for .NET
Framework 3.5.1. Do I really need to install them?

I realize this may be a stupid question, since I am not clear on how deeply the .NET Framework
has its tendrils in the core operating system. I have NOT allowed the .NET Framework to
be installed for Firefox, since it apparently has a habit of letting third parties download
software onto your machine without your knowledge or consent. I'm not sure whether
it is present in Internet Explorer, but I almost never use IE anyway.

I saw a claim that the updates include fixes for Silverlight as well, but Silverlight is
another add-on that I have not allowed for Firefox.

Thanks for any enlightenment you can provide.

FluffyBunny said:

Windows Update has been bugging me for some time with two important updates for .NET
Framework 3.5.1. Do I really need to install them?

I realize this may be a stupid question, since I am not clear on how deeply the .NET Framework
has its tendrils in the core operating system. I have NOT allowed the .NET Framework to
be installed for Firefox, since it apparently has a habit of letting third parties download
software onto your machine without your knowledge or consent. I'm not sure whether
it is present in Internet Explorer, but I almost never use IE anyway.

I saw a claim that the updates include fixes for Silverlight as well, but Silverlight is
another add-on that I have not allowed for Firefox.

Thanks for any enlightenment you can provide.

Hello!

The .net Framework is build deeply into the Operating System, and in fact, for 95% of its work, Firefox has nothing to do with it. The Firefox part of it is just a tiny add-on for the .net Framework, with the bulk of it built directly into the Operating System, with portions completely un-disablable.

For this reason, it is important that you DO install all .net Framework security updates.

If you have any problems installing them, I am more than willing to help you further.

Richard

Richard,

Thanks much - that's exactly what I needed to know! I have successfully installed the
updates without a hitch, so I should be fine for now. Thanks again!