I would like to learn the different between a programmer using the
newer .NET framework versus using older C,C+ and C++ type language to
develop windows applications.

I am not very programmer savvy on the latest benefits of the newer
frameworks and such so I hope you can provide me with some details
about the .Net framework, or possible other reliable and popularly
used languages to develop windows based applications.

My concerns are that developing with the newer frameworks will require
the .NET framework download which from what I recall was well over
20MB and is a long download for a possible modem speed person.

I would like to learn what the current languages that are being used
to develop typical windows based applications, what the benefits of
them are, and what the downsides are.

Any information and recommendations on the most widely versatile and
usable by most windows users language will be good with the details on
why one may be better than the next.

For windows programming, .net is going to be your best choice.

Your developers can develop in any language and have a project as a
whole work together.  Yes, the download is a little big for modem
users, but to tell you the truth, almost anyone with XP will have it. 
It is quite common.

.net is really what microsoft is pushing, and it is the easiest to
write in.  For c/c++ you will have a hard time doing any gui
programming, unless you know how to program the windows gui anyways (I
do not).

Java is also popular, and is also cross platform for anything with a
virtual machine.  It's a tad slower than a lot of other languages
because of the way it's designed, but not bad at all.

If the 20MB download is what will prevent you from .net, then I would
suggest java.  If not, then I would suggest .net.

Thanks for the details.  That has helped me to understand that my
initial understanding is correct.

My question remains, are most new applications developed with .NET?  I
am considering any type of program that is available via download.com.
 I want to be certain that I am developing with the right format so
the final program is compatible for most/ or all to use.

What is the most widely used today?  Is it .NET? or do people still
rely mostly on the older languages?

It depends the type of application you want to write. A lot of new web
development is being done in .Net (ASP.Net). MS has kind of abandoned
classic ASP. Since AJAX has become popular, lot of people are leaning
more towards browser based apps. And  in that space JS plays a very
dominant role. C/C++ has kind of taken back seat. There is not a very
complelling reason to use unless you are doing something in kernel
mode or developing some embdded apps or working on linux/unix kind of
platforms.
Otherwise .Net/Java are 2 dominant languages. You can debate forever
about which one is most used. But definitely .Net performs much better
than java.

> My question remains, are most new applications developed with .NET?
> I am considering any type of program that is available via download.com.
No, it's C/C++ mostly used for performance / compatiblity

> I want to be certain that I am developing with the right format so
the final program is compatible for most/ or all to use.

To run .NET applications you need the .NET Framework installed.
Is it installed by default on WinXP.

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IMHO, use .net, it is easier and faster to code depending on your skills.

- For performances it is not a problem since u can "interop" c++ code when nedded.
- And for compatibility... Installing Framework is not too complicated.
And i think u can "embed" it in ur setup.