Why do I have 4 microsoft visual c++ redistributable programs?

Question

I currently have 4 mv c++ redistributable programs running and I dont play games, dont program software, etc... Help me understand???

Here's the list:

Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable- x86.9.0.30729.17 (596 KB)
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable- x86.9.0.4148 (596 KB)
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable- x86.9.0.21022 (1.41 MB)
Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 x86 Redistributable -10.0.40219 (15.0 MB)

Any idea on if I need these or not????

Answer 1

Don't uninstall them. When programmers write code, a lot of it is done using code libraries that can be referenced in the program, mainly so that the programmer doesn't have to write a lot of tedious code just to perform common, everyday tasks such as referencing dates, formulas, etc. When you install a program, if the library that the program references isn't present, it will be installed with the program. Those redistributables that you are talking about have been installed by various programs on your computer when you installed the program for the first time so that it will work correctly. If you have since uninstalled the program that installed one of the redistributables, you may not need it anymore. However, it's very difficult to know which one is needed by which program so it's just better to leave them alone. You're not getting enough disk space back to offset the risk you're taking of screwing something up.

Answer 2

Microsoft Visual C 2010 X86 Redistributable 10.0.40219

Answer 3

Because you have four programs loaded which require a C++ to work, the program needs a matching library to work. Every one is different from the other, if you delete one then which program makes call to library and it is missing, the program may not run or start without it's C++ file.

Answer 4

thank you

Answer 5

idk