Knowledge Base

Description of the WINSOCK.DLL File

Article ID: 122928

Article Last Modified on 8/9/2007

Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.2

This article was previously published under Q122928

3.10 3.11
WINDOWS
kbnetwork kb3rdparty

SUMMARY

This article discusses the purpose of the WINSOCK.DLL file and how to obtain it.

MORE INFORMATION

What Is WINSOCK.DLL?

WINSOCK.DLL is a dynamic-link library that provides a common application programming interface (API) for developers of network applications that use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) stack.

This means that a programmer who develops a Windows-based TCP/IP application, such as an FTP or Telenet client, can write one program that works with any TCP/IP protocol stack that provides Windows Socket Services (WINSOCK.DLL).

Other applications that depend on a Windows Socket provider include Eudora (a mail package) and Mosaic (a browser for the Internet World Wide Web).

Where Can I Get WINSOCK.DLL?

WINSOCK.DLL is shipped with TCP/IP network protocol stacks that are Windows Socket compliant. A WINSOCK.DLL file developed for one implementation of TCP/IP may not necessarily work with another TCP/IP stack.

Microsoft includes a WINSOCK.DLL file with its TCP/IP stacks for Windows for Workgroups and Windows NT Workstation and Server.

Where Can I Get More Information about WINSOCK.DLL?

Specifications for the Microsoft implementation of the Winsock standard are available on Microsoft's Internet server (ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/).

Additional query words: 3rdparty 3.10 3.11

Keywords: KB122928