[Mono-list] .NET User question

[TP-Software]

Hi,   I'm confused.   Mono, is it the same as .NET but for Linux ? I mean when I compile a .NET application on Windows (Let's say a basic console application, not yet a winforms application), should it then run on Linux without any problem ? And vise versa if I compile it on Linux (Mono) should it run on Windows (.NET) If so, does that mean I can take a compiled VB.NET console application (which does exactly the same as the previous app) and run it in Linux ?   And why is there a Win32 version of Mono ?? Can't we just use .NET ? If not, what's the use of mono ?     Sorry for my probably lame question, but browsing the mono site for over an hour hasn't given me an answer.   Thnx.   --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.423 / Virus Database: 238 - Release Date: 25/11/2002