> Hi There Folks
>
...deleted...Hi John,
> 3) Sockets - I am a bit vague on this,and after studying the man,and other
> linux material at hand, even more confused,so someone perhaps could point me
> to where I could get some good understandable info.
I can't help you with your first two questions.As for the third, sockets are
abstract software constructs. They are
'endpoints of communication'. They were introduced long ago
in a BSD Unix version. Sockets can be used for TCP/IP communication,
but to a large degree, they can be used for other protocols as well,
including ISO protocols. Sockets are used ubiquitously in Unix software;
even Msoft stole it slightly different.
They're merely a vehicle for programmers to access
the networking software in the kernel. If you want to know more,
you'll have to dig into the manuals (bind/connect/socket/listen, etc.),
or read one of the BSD books listed in the man pages.
I'd recommend
'The Design and Implementation of the 4.3 BSD UNIX Operating System'
by Leffler/McKusick/Karels/Quarterman, Addison-Wesley, 1988.
It's pretty technical but explains the concepts well without
actually listing the kernel sources.
(There may be a 4.4 version, but I haven't seen it yet.)
You wouldn't ordinarily read it unless you intend to use
sockets in your own programs, or you intend to be
kernel guru, or, as in my case, you need an intellectual
sledge hammer instead of a sleeping pill.
>
>
> Sorry if I'm a bit vague.
I know the feeling ...:-)73,
Jan
> John vk3bcq