don’t have any on my other new computer…do you download all or just the latest one?
see attachment
Don’t know if you know about this site, but in case you don’t:
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/netfxsetup/threads/
You don’t mention what version of windows your new system is but Windows update will install Net Framework.
You can wait till you need it for a program. The program that requires the .net framework will let you know what to download.
by my profile of my computer you 8) i have windows 8 Bob and it is currently installed even though you don’t see it in the control panel installed programs…updates installed them as you said…hope you and the family are doing well my friend 
see attachment
Can the net framework be disabled altogether?
Yes, if you don’t need any of its components. But thats quite hard/tricky to find out.
Also I don’t know, if this is (still) valid for W8…!?
I didn’t have or need .net framework on my old XP system. But my son insists that much of Win 7 inherently requires it, so I just go with whatever MS Update says I need.
I have disabled the net framework and have not experienced any issues yet.Just trial and error i suppose.
I noticed it runs 2 processess plus asks for network access so i took the plunge and disabled it.