The following winsock apps are Considered critical for one reason -- almost every person without a direct connection to the 'net should get at least one of these apps. For Windows 3.x users with a CSLIP/SLIP/PPP connection, the most important app to have is Trumpet Winsock, which handles the TCP/IP infrastructure for you and comes with a remedial dialer to get you started. I thoroughly recommend Net Dial for any Trumpet user who has ever experienced the limitations of Trumpet's dialer, including that most frustrating busy signal. Net Dial will automatically redial numbers for you and has much easier scripting capabilities than Trumpet; however, Net Dial does not come with the TCP/IP infrastructure that is necessary to get you up and running on the 'net. For Windows 95 users, I recommend RoboDUN for its ability to automate the built-in dial-up network scripting of Windows 95. For users with only shell accounts (no CSLIP/SLIP/PPP connection) there are several alternatives that will get you on the 'net in style (usually at a fraction of the cost of one of the above connections). Virtual TCP Lite, Twinsock, TIA, and SLiRP are the best clients for doing this. I have yet to review the last two, but Lynn Larrow's excellent SLiRP/TIA Setup Reference has. Until I can test out and review these apps check out this page for tips on getting started. SLiRP and TIA are both similar to Twinsock and Virtual TCP Lite, but early reports have a slight edge to the former two as better clients than Twinsock and on par with Virtual TCP Lite. The following are brief descriptions of each application featured on the Critical Winsock Page. - Forrest Stroud