Guide on sockets

http://tangentsoft.net/wskfaq/

Winsock 1.1 limited the scope of the API specification to TCP/IP primarily, but this didn't mean that it could support other protocols. However winsock 2 changed the API to support other protocols like ATM, IPX/SPX etc.

Of course there was also add more functionality. The API of version 1.1 was extended but version 2 still guarantees full backward compatibility. That means that all existing winsock applications can still run without modification except those where blocking hooks are used.

In a nutshell, winsock 2 is winsock 1.1 on steroids, it's a superset of 1.1's APIs and architecture. In addition to its new features, it also clarifies existing ambiguities in the 1.1 winsock specification and adds new extensions that take advantage of operating system features and enhance application performance and efficiency. Finally, winsock 2 includes a number of new protocol- specific extensions. These extensions--such as multicast socket options--are relegated to a separate annex, since the main winsock 2 protocol specification is protocol-independent.

Ciao, Andreas

"Software is like sex, it's better when it's free." - Linus Torvalds