.NET Framework 4 - Important or Optional?

Does anyone know why the "MS .NET Framework 4 Client Profile for W7 x64 Based Systems - KB982670" shows up as an optional update on my desktop computer, but shows up as an important update on my wife's laptop?

I was under the impression that this is something you don't need till you need it.

Better be safe than sorry, an updates an update. It maybe that it's optional on yours because you have a fairly recent version of it on your PC whereas she doesn't have a version at all.

Besides it's worth having installed as long as you've got the space to spare.

Oli

osholt said:

Better be safe than sorry, an updates an update. It maybe that it's optional on yours because you have a fairly recent version of it on your PC whereas she doesn't have a version at all.

Besides it's worth having installed as long as you've got the space to spare.

Oli

I agree with this...

I always install all critical and recommended/optional updates and on the very rare occasion that an update has turned out to be a bad idea then i turn to 'System Restore' and wait for the vulnerability to be fixed :)

Behrad said:

u need it , trust me

.NET Framework is by no means a required PC component.

OP: My guess is that your wife's laptop already has .NET 4, and thus the update is important.

I'd say to anyone to install it as any applications developed in .NET Framework 4 will require it, otherwise the application would not work.

Thanks everyone.

I've got it installed it on all the puters now. That was never the question, sorry. I was just curious about the Important Update- Optional Update aspect.

I think the ideas that it was dependent on previously installed versions of .NET is plausible. I wish I had checked that more closely before I installed the updates.