.NET Newbie Question

Originally posted by engineer2004
Approximately what percentage of the software industry is using the .NET framework to develop desktop PC apps?
No idea, but it is getting used more and more often. You can for example take a look at some job-offering sites (eg http://www.monster.com). Take a look at what companies ask in those job-offerings. This can give you an idea of how many companies are using it.

What are some of the main advantages/disadvantages of using this technology compared to Java technology?
Do know that the .NET framework is not a programming language like Java is. The .NET framework is -- like the name implies -- a framework. This framework can be used from all kinds of languages, for example C++, C#, VB, ...

I don't know all the details, but I once saw a benchmark (unfortunately i don't find the linke anymore :( ) and .NET with C# appeared to be faster than Java. Also the garbage collector in C# is better than the one in Java.

What is the future outlook and trend of .NET?
I personally think the .NET framework has a future, but only time will tell.
Btw: Microsoft itself is also using the .NET framework more and more, especially in 'Longhorn'.