Is The .Net Framework The Same As The Java Virtual Machine?

[Yavin4]

I'm more familiar with Java than I am with .Net. With Java, the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) runs Java compiled programs on any computer platform or any browser that has the JVM plug-in. From what I've read about the .Net framework, it can run programs compiled in a variety of languages.

Please tell me if I'm completely off-base.

[starroute]

1. I don't know the technicalities, but they're not the same

I download a lot of freeware, and some programs depend on Java and others on .Net. They're not interchangeable.

The .Net installation file is dotnetfx.exe and is readily available.

[Yavin4]

2. Let Me Clarify My Post

I don't mean the "same" as being interchangeable. What I mean by "same" is in conceptual terms. IOW, they do the same thing, which is run compiled programs on machines regardless of the machine's platform.

[SoDesuKa]

4. Platform Independence

Both Java and .Net aspire to platform independence, the ability of software to run on a variety of operating systems. Java used to claim "write once, run anywhere" but that was never really true. However, the success of Java inspired Microsoft to develop .Net, but I don't know if those applications run on say, Unix. Microsoft has been promoting it for several years, but it hasn't taken off like Java.

[Yavin4]

5. Thanks!

That's the answer that I was looking for. IOW, .Net is M$'s attempt to match Java's functionality.

[SoDesuKa]

3. Competitors

.Net framework is a Microsoft product. Java is a Sun Workstations product. Bill Gates and Scott McNeely hate each other.