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Windows 3.1 connection tips

What's Winsock? Setting up Trumpet Winsock


Our step-by-step guide explains how to get connected to the Net with Windows 3.1x using Trumpet Winsock.


What's Winsock?

Unlike the modern operating systems, Windows 3.1 doesn't have the built-in software that allows Windows and Windows-based Internet programs to speak the same language as the Internet -- a language called TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). For this reason, you'll need to install a special piece of software called a `Winsock' to your system.

Your ISP probably has already given you this Winsock software as part of its start-up kit. If not, the most popular Winsock for Windows 3.1 is the shareware Trumpet Winsock from Australian company Trumpet Software International. You can download Winsock 3.0 from the Trumpet site at http://www.trumpet.com.au.


Setting up Trumpet Winsock

Once your have Winsock on your system:

  1. Run the Trumpet Winsock installation program.
2. In the Setup dialogue box (shown at the end of the installation routine or available by choosing File, Setup from the Trumpet Winsock menu) select either SLIP or PPP in the Driver box. Most ISPs use PPP.
  3. In the IP Address field enter the IP address assigned by your ISP. If your ISP uses `dynamically allocated' or you are unsure, leave this at the default setting of 0.0.0.0.
  4. Enter the numerical address of the ISP's DNS server (in the form 123.456.789.0) in the DNS Server field, and their domain name (such as supernet.com.au) in the Domain Suffix field.
5. Click the Dialler Settings button to configure your modem and connection details. Set the Comm Port to which your modem is connected (generally COM1 or COM2) and set the appropriate Baud Rate (38400 for a 28.8 modem).
  6. Click OK, then OK again, and Trumpet Winsock will be ready for you to dial. You can choose to logon manually, by typing all the information yourself, or use a script (which your ISP should be able to supply) to automate the process. You can obtain further assistance from Trumpet Winsock's excellent online help screens.

Now your Web browser, and whatever other Net software you've installed, can actually get onto the Net. Or, if you haven't already installed them, install them now.

By David Flynn

 


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