Please, I'm begging you, don't buy into this load of crap...

In a nutshell Microsoft's .NET initiative is their plan to use their technology to handle people finances electronically. Microsoft's products are notoriously insecure due to their penchant for rushing products to the market before they've been adequately tested for security leaks. Windows XP is a prime example with it's Universal Plug and Play feature that inadvertently allows someone to remotely take control of your PC. If you're running WinXP go here, download the Unplug N Play program they have and run it to shut down this dangerous feature.

While they're terribly easy to install and use, Microsoft products are also terribly insecure. Do yourself a favor and check out the free alternatives to Windows.

To give you an idea just how much Microsoft trusts their own products check out this Microsoft site. (hint: It's running on a FreeBSD server)