Language vs. Framework

From DotNET Wiki

The .NET Framework allows the Application Interface to be alot more richer during deployment. Such as the web server/application build you are running on. This can change without any framework if you wish the operating system to render the defaults. In web application, the web.config chooses the target framework for the web server to run.
So therefore the web server needs to have a compatible framework in the ASP.NET (VB.NET/VC#.NET) installed. The .NET Framework also adds alot more possibilities, especially for business presentation, improving the advertisement and workflow.
Languages are orientated around the .NET Framework but can work without (defaults), doing so without, lowers alot of graphics down and less exceptions due to the framework. Like the VB version changes, also have the changes of the network.