.NET model vs. pre .NET model.
In Chapter 2 (The Microsoft .NET Framework), the authors have tried to figure out the differences between the .NET programming model, and that of the pre .NET era, in the sections 'Writing Software for Windows' & 'The .NET Framework Classes'.
But since I'm new to Windows programming, I don't find the explanations adequate enough. Well, I have understood the .NET model, but I'm quite at a loss to understand how the pre .NET era was.
What I have understood is that in .NET, the application communicates with the .NET Framework classes, which then, in turn, talk to the various subsystems of an operating system (Fig. 2.1 works fine).
So I want some detailed and elaborate explanations on what the pre .NET model was (was it called COM?), how it used to work, the concept of Win32 APIs and O/S subsystems and all the related stuff, preferably with some accompanying illustrative block diagram.
I sincerely request the authors and other forum members to respond to this topic.
Arpan Ray Choudhury.