>
>the question *IS* does a `.NET built app` DIRECTLY access WIN32 libraries?
>i do not believe it does... i believe it gets at WIN32 via COM1.5/COM+.
>Thus, in effect .NET is a system built on top of COM.

Nope. Under .NET, COM is dead.

>
>So .NET managed code IS Win32 of the future....
>got it.
>
>
>So I guess WIN32 stuff will work as DOS stuff works in windows applications....

That sums it up pretty well. Win32 will be in maintenance mode and considered "legacy".