With the acceptance of TCP/IP as a standard platform-independent network protocol, and the explosive growth of the Internet, the Windows Sockets API (application program interface) has emerged as the standard for network programming in the Windows environment. This guide will introduce the basic concepts behind Windows Sockets programming and get you started with your first application created with SocketWrench. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with Visual Basic and has installed the SocketWrench control.

Designed for the professional software developer, SocketWrench is optimized for the Windows platform and the Secure Edition implements secure protocols with support for up to 128-bit encryption. This new release includes both ActiveX controls, standard dynamic link libraries (DLLs) and C++ classes in the same package, along with new samples and over 400 pages of documentation. SocketWrench provides all of the features, documentation and technical support needed to develop complete Internet applications, without the complexities of learning the Windows Sockets API or working around the limitations of other Internet components.

SocketWrench is part of a larger product called SocketTools which includes a complete collection of controls and libraries for many of the popular Internet application protocols such as FTP, HTTP, POP3, IMAP4, SMTP and TELNET. Secure versions of these components are also available that support both standard and secure network connections using the standard SSL/TLS protocols. You'll find the same features, functionality and stability in the SocketTools package without having to learn how to implement complex application protocols or decipher cryptic standards documents. With SocketTools, adding features to transfer files, send or retrieve e-mails and access web pages can be done in just a few minutes. Instead of reinventing the wheel, you can spend your time working on your core application and increasing your productivity without sacrificing the features that your users expect.

To learn more about SocketTools family of products, please visit the Catalyst Development website at www.catalyst.com

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