What is Microsoft Silverlight and why do I need it?

I'm not posting any links. I'm not asking any questions. I'm going to make a biased, yet factual, statement. Microsoft doesn't have it right and the users pay the price.

I am an end-user, not a developer. I don't like being forced to use Beta's and add-ons meant for Developers, Network Administrators and IT Professionals.

On this computer, with my old OS: XP Media Center Edition 2005, I was forced to install .NET, through Automatic Updates. I spent many hours attempting to figure out what it did in the Forums, Chats and Information Links. I gave up and installed the Service Pack. That was the beginning of the end. System errors and crashes began in IE, CD/DVD programs, Gaming and Media Center. It was suggested that I install Silverlight. I spent many more hours trying to understand the Geek-Speak, gave up and installed Silverlight. That was the end.

My system crashed nearly every time I used IE and gave me problems using e-mail. Firefox wouldn't work. The Wireless adapter didn't work. CD/DVD drives weren't recognized. THEN - Media Center experienced a fatal error. The system suffered a fatal unrecoverable error. No booting from Back-Up CD, no Safe-Mode - NOTHING.

I wiped the hard drive 3 times, re-formatted, re-partitioned and re-installed the OS. All software was installed from OEM CD. No stupid Recovery Discs or downloading. I registered the OS and updated all software. Any unwanted updates were deleted. Automatic Update was turned off. A thorough Disc clean and Defrag were done and the system worked like new for the next 2 1/2 years.

I am running a new OS - Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit. Driver and installation issues have been found involving the Sound and Graphics Cards. System Setup, software and legacy driver changes play a part. The OEM's and the builder are working with me to solve the problems.

Once again, Microsoft makes the user do things their way. Does feedback about confusing changes, overly intrusive and unnecessary programs fall on deaf ears?Installing new versions of .NET Framework is automatic, Silverlight is required to install Windows Live Essentials. Is Microsoft Security Essentials really essential?

Thanks Gary. Your story sounds very familiar. But I still don't know what it is and what it does!

Since never getting a really good answer and having Silverlight fail regularly, I have removed it from my computer. I didn't ask for it and it crashes all the time, so why keep it. I hope it doesn't mysteriously appear again on my computer - if it does, I'll remove it again. My computer seems to work much better without it.