Socket Address Error

.....Recently I copied a clock program, Dimension 4, one I have used for several years to my new XP operating system. When I try to use it I get the following error message:

Error binding socket address (0)
Ensure that your network is functioning and try again.

This is a home system and I am the only only using it. No network, what is a socket address, and how do I get rid of the message? Thank you.

 

what is a socket address

Good question. But first, lets do what is a socket.

The most usual sort can be thought of as a persistant connection between (usually) programs on 2 PCs that are talking. After one calls out and the other one answers, they agree to talk for a while. To cut down on noise, they simply open a connection and use it for the duration of their conversation. Think phone call here. This is called a Stream Socket.

The other common sort is a Datagram Socket (also called a connectionless sockets). Uses UDP rather than IP and simply calls, gets answered, and drops the conversation.

So, socket address is the IP address + the port number the socket is using.

Binding (where you got the error) just means to set up the stream socket. The usual cause for a binding error is trying to connect to a port already in use.

But probably best to just use PeteC's reply that the app won't work with XP and go with one that does.

 

PeteC I have taken your suggestion and installed YACS.

Newt Now I know a little about Sockets from your communication examples.

Thanks both of you for your replies. Apparently Dimension 4 and Windows XP have this socket problem according to a two year old link on Google, "Dimension 4 and Windows XP Home Edition." Elsewhere on the Google site is another comment that D4 only works at Windows 2000 and below. However, my installation of D4 does work once past two screens, one of which prompted my original post. Thank you again for your interest.

 

derfsch - I think it's always nice to know a little something about the jargon that shows up from time to time. You may never want to do any programming that requires you to manipulate sockets (me neither ) but it helps to have at least a glimmering.

I avoided any mention of the 3rd major socket type, Raw Sockets, since they pretty much still baffle me.