Just starting out here, so please be patient...

What exactly is ASP.NET vs. just the simple ASP code that a beginner like me is learning by reading all these postings?

Is it a newer version of ASP or IIS ? Does it have a GUI developer environment, or do you still just code in a text editor?

Do I have to update IIS on my Win2000 Server?

Does it require users to have a certain version on Internet Explorer?