TCP/IP
stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Originally developed by the U.S. Department of Defense in the early 1970's to connect UNIX computers together, TCP/IP was designed to provide alternative communications in case of emergencies. TCP/IP is a standard set of mathematical functions in connectivity software, also called stacks; it is the language that computers on the Internet use to communicate.

Winsock
In Windows based software the translator, or interface for TCP/IP is called a winsock. Winsock is short for Windows Sockets and it is a Dynamic Linked Library (DLL) file. A file named Winsock.DLL, or something similar, is used as the interface between TCP/IP, and Windows programs.

• Update info for new version of Win95's winsock.
• Update info on Trumpet's Win3.1.x winsock.

MacTCP and Open Transport
Apple’s current version of this connectivity software for the MacOS is called "Open Transport". It is available for download at:

http://www.info.apple.com

Older Mac systems use MacTCP, compatible with older networked programs for the MacOS. Details on MacTCP and Open Transport.

• Update info on Apple's new streaming audio extension for Performas and PowerPCs.

PPP and SLIP
Common ways individuals use to access the internet are called PPP or SLIP accounts. PPP means Point to Point Protocol and is based on the older protocol SLIP, Serial Line Interface Protocol. Versions of PPPs and SLIPs are compatible with UNIX, Windows and Macs; for example "Mac PPP connection" in this context means "the Mac software that provides connectivity to the Internet". PPP is more robust and has more features. This software makes computers think they have dedicated network connections through modem lines.

Dialers
There are currently two main processes to get "on-line", proprietary and non-proprietary. With a proprietary connection, like AOL, Compuserve, Prodigy, ATT's WorldNet, Netcom, you use a dial up interface; the dialer is still a winsock or TCP/IP stack, but it is termed a dialer by the manufacturers. With non-proprietary connections it is possible to use different connectivity software, and any version you choose of TCP/IP stack, PPP connection or SLIP which connects you to internet service providers (ISPs).

If you are experiencing networking problems, such as using plugins, see your ISP's Frequently Asked Questions website, online knowledge base or contact their technical support to answer questions about how to configure and use their proprietary software (such as AOL), to be sure you are properly connected. You may need a new browser upgrade.

Where do I find general information about downloading and using connectivity software such as:

• Microsoft's Windows 95 winsock and new updates?
• Trumpet's winsock for Windows 3.1.x?
• Apple's MacOS OpenTransport and streaming audio extension?

Microsoft's Windows 95 operating system comes with a 32 bit winsock, located in the system subdirectory; named winsock.dll. You can learn more about Windows winsocks from Microsoft's Windows web search site:

http://www.microsoft.com/search/

or from querying Microsoft's knowledge base at:

http://www.microsoft.com/kb/

The Windows 95 disks have the 32 bit winsock or you can obtain it from Microsoft's site. The *new* winsock version, which supports better multimedia functionality is available at:

http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/support/

• 1. Click on the title:
  Windows 95 WinSock Update to Improve Multihoming Support
  
• 2. Download wsockupd.exe.
  
• 3. Locate wsockupd.exe on your hard drive and doubleclick on it,
  
• 4. The installer launches, then notifies you that this will update the Windows 95 Socket API
  
• 5. The last dialog box asks to restart the machine for the changes to become effective.

Trumpet's download site is:

http://www.trumpet.com

If you have more questions about Trumpet scroll down to their technical support window at:

http://www.trumpet.com/donline.htm

If you update your winsock from a 16-bit version to a 32-bit version for Windows 95, you'll want to pick up the 32-bit Windows 95/NT version of Netscape's browser, located at:

http://home.netscape.com/comprod/mirror/client_download.html

Apple MacOS connectivity software
If you are receiving poor performance from the MacOS when using streaming media on a lower end PowerMac or Performa, you may want to download and install the 7.6.1 Streaming Audio Update extension from Apple's web site at:

http://www.apple.com

This Streaming Audio extension improves the ability of the MacOS to handle streaming audio by performing checks on serial and sound software.

This extension can be installed on MacOS 7.5.5, 7.6, and 7.6.1. It doesn't load on earlier system releases nor on system versions after 7.6.1.

For more information about the 7.6.1 Streaming Audio Update extension, please query Apple's Tech Info Library located at:

http://til.info.apple.com/techinfo.nsf/Web+Search+Simple?OpenForm

In the search field enter "7.6.1 Streaming Audio Update extension" and hit search.

About Apple's Open Transport and MacTCP

Open Transport 1.1 came with MacOS version 7.5.2 as a replacement for MacTCP. Open Transport is more robust connectivity software. Some older network applications required MacTCP, so if MacTCP was installed, the update installed a program in the Apple Extras folder named Network Software Selector.

The Network Software Selector allows you to switch between MacTCP and Open Transport to insure backward compatibility with older network applications. Most new software does not need the Network Software Selector (found under the Apple Menu, in the Control Panel) unless you need backwards compatiblity with older applications.

To play streaming media verify that your sound configuration is set correctly,

• 1. under the Apple menu item, in the Sound Control Panel,
• 2. under Sound In, Options,
• 3. Internal CD should be selected as Playthrough (with an X in the box).

http://www.Apple.com

http://www.info.apple.com/

More Frequently Asked Questions about winsocks, TCP/IP, stacks

This Frequently Asked Questions site on winsocks may useful to you:

http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/windows/winsock-faq/faq.html