2) How Does It Work?
WinSock is a .DLL (Dynamic Link Library) and runs under Windows 3.x, Windows for Workgroups, Windows NT, and Windows 95. The WINSOCK.DLL is the interface to TCP/IP and, from there, on out to the Internet. (TCP/IP stands for "Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol," the "language" that computers on the Internet use to communicate with each other.)The easiest way to show how it works is with a diagram:
WinSock-compliant Application (e.g., Netscape, WinVN)
But the most important thing for you to remember about WINSOCK.DLL is that the WINSOCK.DLL you're using must match the version of TCP/IP that you're running. Don't assume that because all WinSocks are called WINSOCK.DLL that they're all the same--they're not. So, for example, if I'm using Microsoft's TCP/IP, I can't use Trumpet Winsock.
Similarly, if I'm running on a SLIP connection, and I want to switch from Chameleon Sampler's WinSock to Trumpet Winsock, I first need to remove Chameleon's version of WINSOCK.DLL before installing the new one.
If you end up with multiple versions of WINSOCK.DLL floating around your hard disk, you're asking for trouble. Before you come screaming at alt.winsock, take a couple of minutes to check your hard disk for multiple WINSOCK.DLLs.
For more information, see NCSA's The winsock.dll page.
3) What Do I Need To Run WinSock Applications?
Using WinSock applications to access the Internet requires:
Your connection to the Internet may take the form of a direct connection via a network card or a dialup account using a modem. Most users reading this FAQ will be using the latter. You'll probably need to acquire an account with an Internet service provider (or else get an account through work or school, if available) -- either a SLIP or PPP account (these are protocols for communicating with the Internet via modem; either is fine, though PPP is generally preferred), or a shell account which allows you to run a SLIP emulator (covered in Section VI.)
The TCP/IP stack you use depends upon your needs. Some operating systems include stacks, such as Microsoft Windows 95 and IBM OS/2. For other operating systems, like Microsoft Windows 3.1/3.11 or Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11, you'll need to add a stack. Section IV of this FAQ covers some of the most popular. Some are free, some are shareware (if you continue to use them after an evaluation period, you must pay a small fee), and others are commercial. Some include no WinSock applications, while others include all the basic apps you'll need.
A fast computer, 8MB or more of memory, and a high speed modem for dialup connections (at least 14.4k) are also recommended.
And, of course, you'll need some WinSock applications. Section VII. points to lists of WinSock applications available.
III. What Are SLIP and PPP?
There are several different ways individual PC users can get access to the Internet. Of all the access methods available, SLIP (Serial Line Interface Protocol) and PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) accounts give you the most options, as far as applications are concerned.SLIP has been around since the mid-1980s. It was originally designed to allow Unix machines to connect to one another over the phone. It essentially "tricks" your computer into thinking that its modem connection is a dedicated network connection (the kind you would usually need a network card for).
PPP is based on SLIP, but it is a more sophisticated protocol. It contains additional error checking and authentication, which makes it more reliable than SLIP. For most PC users, there really isn't much difference between the two. Because PPP is more reliable and is generally accepted to be the standard of the future, you should get PPP if you're offered a choice between the two.
WinSock works great with SLIP and PPP. Most WinSock versions come with dialer programs to do the actual connection over your modem.
IV. What WinSocks Are Available and Where Can I Get Them?
1) Trumpet Winsock
Peter Tattam's Trumpet Winsock is one of the most popular WINSOCK.DLLs available. It includes both WINSOCK.DLL and a dialer program to get you connected if you're using SLIP or PPP. Versions 2.0b and 2.0e have been replaced by version 2.1. Version 2.0b is still available from:
Version 2.1 is still in development. Recent developments have improved PPP performance and fixed scripting errors. Like version 2.0, version 2.1 supports both SLIP and PPP. A fairly powerful scripting language is also included for login, logout, and other actions. Trumpet Winsock is shareware. After 30 days, you must register (international: US$25, Australia: AU$25).
Mirrors:
Make sure you read the README.1ST file if you're upgrading from Trumpet WinSock 2.0x.
There is a beta version of Trumpet Winsock for Windows 95. For more information, see:
A) Which MTU, TCP RWIN, and TCP MSS settings are best?
- Unfortunately, there isn't a simple answer to this question.
It really depends on what kind of connection you have. Ethernet,
SLIP, PPP, and CSLIP all require different settings. Also, your
Internet provider may require that you use certain values. But there
are a few rules that may help you find the best values.
First check which values your Internet provider recommends. These values will generally be the best. However, not all providers have experience with Trumpet Winsock, or the values they give you may still need additional adjustment for optimal speed and reliability.
The INSTALL.DOC that comes with Trumpet Winsock also lists a few general rules for setting these values. MTU should be TCP MSS+40. TCP RWIN should be 3 or 4 times TCP MSS. It suggests starting with the following values: MTU=256, TCP RWIN=848, TCP MSS=212. However, these are only general rules and there may be better values for your particular situation.
Peter Tattam also believes that MTU should be pushed up to 1500 if supported by your provider, although many providers recommend setting the MTU at 1006.
He also recommends that you set the values for SLIP/PPP as follows: TCP MSS=512, TCP RWIN=2048. CSLIP/CPPP values should be: TCP MSS=212, TCP RWIN=848.
Ethernet and TIA users should use the following values: MTU=1500, TCP RWIN=4096, TCP MSS=1460.
B) Registration Problems
- One of the biggest problems Trumpet has been having is responding
to user registrations. Be patient because they are busy. But if you
find that they never respond, send e-mail to registrations@trumpet.com.au.
Give your full name and Trumpet should respond promptly with your
registration number.
- More Information:
- Trumpet Software International Home Page
2) Chameleon Sampler
Chameleon Sampler is another popular WinSock. Internet Chameleon is NetManage's heavy-duty full-featured commercial package. Chameleon Sampler is a freeware package that includes both SLIP and PPP support. In addition, it also includes basic FTP, Telnet, Mail, and Ping clients. Like Trumpet, it also includes its own dialer and has proven itself to be stable and compatible. It is included with several books.More Information:
3) Microsoft TCP/IP-32
This is Microsoft's stack for use with Windows NT or Windows for Workgroups 3.11. Unfortunately, this stack does not support dialup connections. Free for owners of Windows NT or Windows for Workgroups. Click below to go to Microsoft's FTP site:
4) NetCruiser
NetCruiser probably doesn't belong on this list, as it's not 100% WinSock compatible. NetCruiser includes a proprietary stack and suite of applications included with SLIP accounts from Netcom (a large Internet service provider), the latest version has added some WinSock compatibility. NetCruiser itself works only with Netcom.
5) Do I Need This Stuff Now That Windows 95 Is Out?
Nope. Windows 95 includes all the 32-bit TCP/IP and WinSock drivers that you'll need. And, it includes its own Dial-Up Networking that lets you use SLIP or PPP.A lot of Windows 95 beta users have installed Trumpet Winsock and are using it quite happily.
More Information:
6) IBM OS/2 Warp
IBM's OS/2 Warp operating system includes a stack and a suite of applications that have been well-received. Aside from the included applications, native WinSock software for OS/2 is sparse. Most Windows WinSock applications run well. Included with the operating system (street price approx. US$70-140 depending upon configuration)More Information:
V. Common WinSock Problems
1) "Call to Undefined Dynalink"
Although this error message can be caused by a number of different problems, as far as WinSock users are concerned, it probably has to do with having multiple versions of WINSOCK.DLL hanging around your hard disk. To solve this problem, make sure that you do not have multiple versions of WINSOCK.DLL in your PATH. If so, remove or rename the versions you're not using. If you only have a single version of WINSOCK.DLL, it may not be in the path. Simply put it in \WINDOWS\SYSTEM or add your WinSock's directory to the PATH statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
2) COMM Overrun
This error occurs when the modem goes too fast for the COM port and Windows. There are a couple of things you have to check. First, if you've got an external modem running at 14.4kbps or above, make sure you're connecting it to a COM port that uses the UART 16550a (or some 1655xx variant) chip. You can check this using the MSD.EXE program that comes with Windows.Now, once you've got that verified, you need to replace the old COMM.DRV driver that came with Windows 3.x, because it was designed to work with the older UART 8550 chip. (Windows for Workgroups 3.11 users don't need to worry about this.) The two most popular replacement COMM drivers are CyberCom and WFXComm. Documentation is included in the zip files. Click here to download:
Also, you need to edit your SYSTEM.INI file to include the following statements in your [386Enh] section:
com1FIFO=1
com1buffer=1024
comboosttime=8
(If you're using a COM port other than 1, change the com1 to com2,
etc.)Although it is quite out of date, There is a FAQ that provides a more in-depth discussion of this subject:
3) Can't Find C:\TEMP Directory" (Netscape)
Most Windows users have their temporary directory set to C:\WINDOWS\TEMP -- but Netscape assumes that you use C:\TEMP unless you tell it otherwise.To correct this problem, do the following:
- In Netscape, go to the Options menu. Choose Preferences.
- At the very top of the dialog there will be a drop-down listbox. Click it, and choose Directories, Applications, and News.
- Change C:\TEMP to C:\WINDOWS\TEMP (or whatever your actual temporary directory is) and click OK.
SET TEMP=c:\windows\temp\
If no such line exists, you'll want to add one. Make sure that the
indicated directory exists.
4) Netscape 1.1's Window Doesn't Open Properly
Although this bug has been fixed in the beta releases of Netscate 1.2, users of Netscape 1.1 may experience problems with window sizing.In Netscape 1.1, there is a bug that may cause the Netscape window to open off-center and partially off the screen. Unfortunately, this was not fixed in the official release of Netscape 1.1N.
There are two methods to improve this:
- Resize the window with the mouse (do not maximize). Then save the window size by clicking Save Options under the Options menu.
- Directly edit the "NETSCAPE.INI" file. This method generally works best. It also enables you to see what the problem is. Using an example of a 640x480 monitor, Netscape 1.1 gave the "NETSCAPE.INI" file the following default values:
[Main Window]
x=-4
y=-4
width=648
height=488
Change the settings to:
[Main Window]
x=0
y=0
width=640
height=480
5) How Do I Cure Various Errors In WinTalk?
Depending upon the version of WinTalk you use, you may either:- have trouble running the program, with frequent gethostname() or similar error messages, or
- the program may appear to work properly until you attempt to talk with someone, and you receive a They don't recognize us! error.
If you're on a SLIP or PPP connection with a permanent IP Address:
Your machine may not be listed in your provider's DNS. Ask your
provider to add it. If your account is new, keep in mind that it
may take several days before your machine name is in the DNS, at
which point WinTalk should work properly.
If you're on a SLIP or PPP connection with Dynamic IP Addressing:
It's very likely that some, if not all, of the IP addresses in the
dynamic IP pool are not registered in the DNS. Ask your provider to
please do this, if possible.
Emulated SLIP (TIA, etc.):
WinTalk is incompatible with emulated SLIP. Sorry, there are no
workarounds at this time.
6) How Do I Cure Various Errors in News Xpress?
If you receive a No Authorization or similar error in News Xpress, do the following:- Choose Setup from the Config menu.
- Delete any information you typed into the Username and Password fields. Click OK.
7) "More Original Lines than New Lines" Error in a Newsreader?
If you receive a More Original Lines than New Lines or More Quoted Text than Original Text, or another similar error when trying to follow-up to a Usenet news article, your newsreader program is not to blame.This is an option set by your system administrator to prevent users from sending articles which contain, for example, 100 lines of quoted text with "I agree" added to the bottom. Such articles are considered a nuisance. Consider editing the quoted text for clarity.
Some users adjust their newsreader to use an unusual quote character. In some cases, this can fool the news server software and thwart your provider's options. Please be aware that this is a blatant circumvention of your provider's policies, and may result in loss of your Internet access. This type of action is inadvisable.
If the quoted text limitation really bothers you, try politely asking your provider to change this option in their news server software.
8) GPF Errors in WSIRC
While WSIRC does have some stability problems, some releases also have a bug which allows other IRC users to easily cause WSIRC to crash (GPF, General Protection Fault). In Version 1.4e and before, a simple null CTCP command is all it takes.However, Versions 1.4f and later, including the recently released Version 2.0 have apparently fixed this problem.
If you're receiving frequent GPF errors with WSIRC, you may wish to update or switch to another IRC client.
9) I have SLIP Emulation and DCC won't work in IRC.
Like Talk, DCC will not completely work with SLIP emulation. Although it is a feature of IRC, DCC connects directly between two computers. Therefore, it requires both computers to have an IP address for full functionality.
Fortunately, some features of DCC will work. You will be able to
receive a DCC Chat request and DCC Get will also work. But you will be
unable to initiate a DCC Chat or use DCC Send.
VI. Can I Run Cool Stuff Like Netscape From My Unix Shell Account?
If you're limited to a Unix shell account, you may still be able to take advantage of WinSock applications. Several SLIP Emulators are available which "convert" standard shell accounts into makeshift SLIP accounts.- Note: Many providers do not allow you to run a SLIP emulator. Some are concerned about system resources; others want you to buy a real SLIP or PPP account (which are almost universally more expensive). If your provider bans use of SLIP emulators, using one may result in loss of your Internet access. (Yes, system administrators can tell if you're using a SLIP emulator even if you change the executable's file name or size.)
- The Internet Adapter(tm) Home Page
- e-mail: tia-info@marketplace.com
- A) I use Netcom and TIA -- Why Won't My Newsreader Work?
- So far, Netcom is the only large provider that has had this
problem. Netcom does not allow its users to access the NNTP server.
But there is a way around this. A free product also found at:
- Cyberspace Development FTP Site
- allows the newsreader to access news off the disk. This program is
installed, just like TIA, in your Unix shell. It is executed at the
same time as TIA by executing tia -p:119 nntpd. There is also
good documentation in the tiabeta directory.
- More Information:
- nntpd Readme File
2) Twinsock (Troy's WinSock)
Troy Rollo's Twinsock is a freeware alternative to TIA. Unlike TIA, Twinsock includes both a host program to be placed on your shell account and its own special stack. Setup can be easier than TIA, since the stack requires no special configuration. Note that Twinsock will work even without an 8-bit clean connection, though the 6-bit mode is slower.See the FAQ (under More Information, below) for information about FTPing the latest compiled versions for various hosts. You must FTP the complete package (see below) to obtain the required stack, which is compiled. Source code for the host program and the stack is included.
- More Information:
- TwinSock (Troy's WinSock) FAQ
- FTP Sites:
- TwinSock 1.4-ftp.coast.net (SimTel) (US)
- TwinSock 1.4-archive.orst.edu (US)
- TwinSock 1.4-micros.hensa.ac.uk (UK)
3) SLiRP
A recent addition to the SLIP emulation scene, Danny Gasparovski's SLiRP is quickly gaining momentum. It's similar to TIA, but doesn't include a stack, although it is free. No compiled versions are available yet; you'll have to compile it yourself. Available from: - SLiRP-peace.wit.com (US)
- SLiRP-blitzen.canberra.edu.au (Australia)
10) "________ Did Not Call WSCLEANUP"
Fill in the blank -- it can be any WinSock app. Not a problem, really. All it means is that the app in question did not tell WinSock that is was finished with the socket it was using.1) The Internet Adapter (tm)
The Internet Adapter (TIA) is an innovative product by Cyberspace Development, Inc. that allows Unix shell users to simulate a SLIP connection over a Unix shell account. PPP is not yet supported, but it is expected to be included when v2.0 is released. TIA is installed on the Unix host (either in your home directory, if you're a single user, or with the other Unix executables on the system if it's a site- licensed copy provided by your provider). When you run TIA on your Unix host, you can then run WinSock applications on your own machine. (Note that you still need to install WinSock on your PC.)For most applications, there is no difference between a true SLIP account and TIA. But there are a few drawbacks. Because TIA users do not have a real, unique IP address, applications that require this (some DCC Chat, Talk, CuSeeMe, Ping, etc.) will not work. Also, servers, in general, will not work. The latest beta version does have a port redirection feature, but TIA is not meant for server use. TIA requires that you have an "8-bit clean" connection to the Internet. Check the TIA FAQs for more information.
TIA currently costs U.S. $25.00 for a single-site license. They also have 14-day temporary licenses available. Version 1.04 has recently been moved from beta to official release in preperation for the release of Version 2.0, which is currently in closed beta testing. All future upgrades will be free to registered users.
More information:
4) Remsock
Oslonett's Remsock is a little-used SLIP emulator similar to Twinsock in that it includes its own stack. Much of the documentation is in Norwegian. Aside from compatibility problems, Remsock's biggest failing is that it's crippleware. It stops working 15 minutes into each connection until you pay the registration fee ($15). Available below:
VII. What's the Best ________ Application?
There are currently over a hundred WinSock applications out there. We won't try to tell you which one is the best one for your needs. To a certain extent, you're going to have to figure that out for yourself.
1) Lists, Lists, Lists
Fortunately, there are several excellent resources out there that can provide you with pointers to (and evaluations of) most of the Internet programs available on the Internet for Windows users.There are several regularly updated lists of WinSock applications. If you're looking for something, try these lists first. You can FTP the files directly through either of the Web-based lists.
2) Windows 95 Software
Finding WinSock applications for Windows 95 is much more difficult than finding software for Windows 3.x. Fortunately, there is a new software archive that exclusively lists Windows 95 applications:
3) Shareware is Not Freeware
The WinSock community has been very fortunate to have many freeware applications available. For this, everyone should be grateful to the many authors who have put many countless hours writing these programs.
However, not all winsock applications are freeware. Many are
shareware, and shareware is not the same as freeware. Please use your
conscience. If you try out a shareware program and find it to be
useful, send in the registration fee. The prices are usually quite
reasonable. Moreover, it encourages and enables further development of
many great applications.
VIII. Even More Information
1) Application FAQs
There are a growing number of FAQs and an abundance of README files available for many individual WinSock applications. Several FAQs are listed below. The following site also provides a fairly descent selection of README files and other text documents covering a variety of WinSock applications.
A) Free Agent
- Free Agent Frequently Asked Questions
B) Netscape
- Netscape Navigator - Frequently Asked Questions
C) News Xpress
Brian H. Smither has recently written the News Xpress FAQ. The author of News Xpress has also indicated that he plans to include the FAQ with releases of News Xpress as well. - NewsXpress FAQ
D) WinVN
- The WinVN FAQ is available both from the sites below and is also included with recent versions of WinVN.
2) Other WinSock Resources
A) #Winsock on IRC (EFFNet)
- The IRC channel #Winsock was created by Keith Veseleny (IRC nick: VC). Participants discuss the latest WinSock applications, assist new users, and are a friendly bunch.
- For those unfamiliar with IRC bots, bots are special computer programs which look like other IRC users and can respond to requests. Two bots on #Winsock provide help and files, 24 hours a day.
- Mookbot is #Winsock's help bot (portions of this FAQ are based on the help file first created for Mookbot). Type /msg mookbot help for answers to common questions.
- IgBot is #Winsock's file bot. Many of the latest WinSock applications can be downloaded from the bot using DCC file transfer. Type "/msg igbot files" to see a list of available files and "/msg igbot help filetransfer" for file transfer instructions.
B) #Winsock FAQ
- This is the FAQ that grew out of the IRC channel #Winsock. Much of the information in this FAQ has been incorporated here, although it does cover a few issues that this FAQ does not address.
3) TCP/IP
Although similar to alt.winsock, the comp.os.ms-windows.networking.tcp-ip newsgroup is less crowded and tends to discuss issues concerning TCP/IP with MS Windows itself rather than the usually application-based discussion on alt.winsock.
4) Windows Data Communication
The most important part of your SLIP or PPP Internet connection is, of course, your telephone link. Malcolm Hoar has written a modem guide that includes information to help you troubleshoot an unstable connection. It also has several links to other sites with more information on modems.
5) TIA and Trumpet Winsock
Lynn Larrow has written an excellent troubleshooting guide for TIA and Trumpet Winsock. This FAQ also address several related issues as well.
6) SLIP Emulation
For general discussion about SLIP Emulation, check out the alt.dcom.slip-emulators newsgroup.7) WinSock Developer Information
Here are several resources available to WinSock Developers on the Internet.
A) Winsock Programming FAQ by John Thomas Willis
B) WinSock 1.1 Standard
C) WinSock 2.0 Standard (in development)
D) Microsoft's WinSock Developer Info
E) Usenet
F) Stardust Technologies WinSock Resource Page
8) Other alt.winsock.* Newsgroups
The traffic on alt.winsock.ivc and alt.winsock.voice is often sparse and overlapping. Although not as active as alt.winsock, both alt.winsock.programming and alt.winsock.trumpet are active groups.
Also, when posting, please do not post the same message to multiple groups in the alt.winsock hierarchy.
9) Winsock Newsgroups in the comp.os.ms-windows Hierarchy
10) UUEncoding and MIME Encoding Binary Files
Jim Howard has written an excellent FAQ on the subject. You can usually find the latest copy in many of the alt.binaries.pictures.* newsgroups, or at:
IX. Where to Find the FAQ
The alt.winsock FAQ will be posted to alt.winsock every other Monday. It can also be found in HTML format:
The FAQ will be archived monthly through news.answers as of this posting. It can be found at:
Or send e-mail to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu with the following message:
send usenet/news.answers/windows/winsock-faq
X. Administrivia
This FAQ was instigated by Darran Edmundson, and compiled by Kevin Osborn and Nancy Cedeno, and includes information from the #Winsock FAQ by Mike J.M..Thanks also to Bob Ennis, Lynn Larrow, Craig Larsen, Ed Sinkovits, Perry Grieb, and Aaron Weintraub.
Comments and suggestions are welcome--this is a document in progress!
This page maintained by
with a little assistance from kevinc@slip.net
Housed at
