Vista - Do I Need This?

AnimalAddictions · 08-12-2008

I am uninstalling some programs that I don't need and don't really know what this one is.

I googled it, but I don't speak computer lingo so i'm still not sure if I need it or not. Could someone tell me what it is and what it does in "lay" terms so I know whether or not to uninstall it?

The name of the program/software is:
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable

Thanks in advance!

**johngalt** · 08-12-2008

Hi, AnimalAddictions, and welcome to the forums.

Short answer: Yes you need it. Don't remove it.

Detailed answer: There are many different programming languages out there for developers to write programs (code) in - JAVA, .NET, C++, C#, Python, Ruby, etc. Some of these use a program called a compiler to turn a piece of code (in simple text format readable by humans) into an executable (program, readable by computers and Uber geeks).

Some languages produce executables that also use external files during execution as needed. These are (usually) called runtimes - from AtRunTime, IOW - these files are used by executables *when they are run* (at Run Time) to help keep distributed code smaller. Think of these as one of the most important components in the internal combustion chamber of your car's engine - sure it needs gas, and it needs electricity, and it needs water for cooling, and it needs oil for lubrication. But it also needs air - directly for combustion to take place. No air, no combustion.

The same holds true for executables in certain languages, in this case, Visual C++. These Redistributable files (runtimes) are like the air to your car - they need to be everywhere any type of C++ is run (just as you need air anywhere you want the car to run). Now, Vista comes with a certain version of these, but they are a bit outdated - so sometimes you'll see them having 'service packs' just like your Vista does - they mean the same thing - they are newer, better written.

I hope this answers your question.

AnimalAddictions · 08-12-2008

Thank-you very much! OMG that was fast!

**johngalt** · 08-12-2008

I just happened to see your post right after you made it - it was just coincidentally good timing.

However, I added to the post - so you might want to read it again.

**Bare Foot Kid** · 08-12-2008

Hello AnimalAddictions, welcome to Vista forums!

Please don't just uninstall/delete 'things' from your machine without knowing
EXACTLY what you are doing, as you will render your machine unusable.
And it will cost you lots of money to get it fixed!

Start by having a look thru the Vista forums tutorial section at the link below ...

Tutorials - Vista Forums

Again, please use caution.

Later

Ted

08-12-2008	#1 (permalink)
AnimalAddictions Vista Home Premium 32bit 4 posts	Do I Need This? I am uninstalling some programs that I don't need and don't really know what this one is. I googled it, but I don't speak computer lingo so i'm still not sure if I need it or not. Could someone tell me what it is and what it does in "lay" terms so I know whether or not to uninstall it? The name of the program/software is: Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Thanks in advance!
My System Specs

08-12-2008	#2 (permalink)
johngalt Vista Ultimate x64 MAK, OpenSolaris 5, Gentoo 2008.1.... 3,848 posts	Re: Do I Need This? Hi, AnimalAddictions, and welcome to the forums. Short answer: Yes you need it. Don't remove it. Detailed answer: There are many different programming languages out there for developers to write programs (code) in - JAVA, .NET, C++, C#, Python, Ruby, etc. Some of these use a program called a compiler to turn a piece of code (in simple text format readable by humans) into an executable (program, readable by computers and Uber geeks). Some languages produce executables that also use external files during execution as needed. These are (usually) called runtimes - from AtRunTime, IOW - these files are used by executables when they are run (at Run Time) to help keep distributed code smaller. Think of these as one of the most important components in the internal combustion chamber of your car's engine - sure it needs gas, and it needs electricity, and it needs water for cooling, and it needs oil for lubrication. But it also needs air - directly for combustion to take place. No air, no combustion. The same holds true for executables in certain languages, in this case, Visual C++. These Redistributable files (runtimes) are like the air to your car - they need to be everywhere any type of C++ is run (just as you need air anywhere you want the car to run). Now, Vista comes with a certain version of these, but they are a bit outdated - so sometimes you'll see them having 'service packs' just like your Vista does - they mean the same thing - they are newer, better written. I hope this answers your question. Last edited by johngalt; 08-12-2008 at 04:00 PM..
My System Specs

08-12-2008	#3 (permalink)
AnimalAddictions Vista Home Premium 32bit 4 posts	Re: Do I Need This? Thank-you very much! OMG that was fast!
My System Specs

08-12-2008	#4 (permalink)
johngalt Vista Ultimate x64 MAK, OpenSolaris 5, Gentoo 2008.1.... 3,848 posts	Re: Do I Need This? I just happened to see your post right after you made it - it was just coincidentally good timing. However, I added to the post - so you might want to read it again.
My System Specs

08-12-2008	#5 (permalink)
Bare Foot Kid Vista 64-bit Ultimate Win7 64-bit Ultimate XP SP3 32-bit Pro 2,126 posts	Re: Do I Need This? Hello AnimalAddictions, welcome to Vista forums! Please don't just uninstall/delete 'things' from your machine without knowing EXACTLY what you are doing, as you will render your machine unusable. And it will cost you lots of money to get it fixed! Start by having a look thru the Vista forums tutorial section at the link below ... Tutorials - Vista Forums Again, please use caution. Later Ted
My System Specs