IFS LSP & Non-IFS LSP

June 30th, 2010

IFS LSP

Since this LSP provides the Winsock client program a legitimate Operating-system handle, this particular LSP does not have to put into action all of the LSP functions, but merely the only one it demands – which in turn is usually an advantage. Even so, the negative aspect is that an IFS LSP can not intercept asynchronous operations and overlapped
operations, for instance when WriteFile & ReadFile is employed together with the IFS handle.

Non-IFS LSP

Considering that a Non-IFS LSP reads the IFS handles, it will need to implement all the LSP functions. If it does not, untranslated handles will then reach the operating system API and result in a fault, mainly because the operating system is unaware of these kinds of manufactured handles.

One particular advantage of this LSP would be the potential to intercept each individual IFS function which makes use of this particular socket handle (WriteFile/ReadFile). And another profit will be the capability to receive notices from asynchronous mechanisms.

Chris

Vista: LSP Developer’s Bane

June 27th, 2010

Vista has become the bane of all LSP programmers and created one enormous aggravation!

Windows Vista presented a pair of new “capabilities” to Winsock LSP that were designed to enhance the user experience anytime the LSP was working, but these mechanisms cause severe headaches for LSP computer programmers, learning just how to deal with these types of elements can save you useful time because overlooking them means that your current LSP will not operate during various scenarios.

The very first process that is employed is to safeguard against flawed WSPSelect. Microsoft determined that LSPs have to inform the Operating System if they support layering over each of those protocols or not, if they don’t the LSP will certainly never receive WSPSelect calls. Basically if your LSP does not need to intercept WSPSelect then it really is not a problem for you, but if you do, then it is an enormous concern.

So what are the procedures necessary? To start with you need to layer over the two providers. After that you will have to insert a code within WSPSelect.

Chris

Free LSP Sample Files

June 25th, 2010

While researching Komodia.com a little further, I ran across their free LSP sample files page.  I am just going to give you a brief description of what is available there and then you can go and decide for yourself if you feel it is any benefit.  I will say that I do not know of any other location that will offer this much free information.

There are 6 non IFS LSP sample files.  These include:

  • AsyncSelect.ccp
  • lspguid.cpp

There are 5 IFS LSP sample files.  These include:

  • extension.cpp 
  • lspdef.h 
  • sockinfo.cpp

There are 7 register LSP sample files.  These include:

  • instlsp.cpp 
  • instlsp.h 
  • lspadd.cpp 
  • lspdel.cpp 
  • lspmap.cpp

I think that you can only benefit from the information on this site.

Chris

Komodia

June 23rd, 2010

Komodia has a free LSP Guide that you can download at www.Komodia.com.  Right now the guide is still free; however, Komodia has made an announcement that the guide is being turned into a book and will no longer be free.  I think that it is essential that everyone who is working with LSP have the most information as possible – so go get this guide while it is still free!

Combined with the access to the free guide is a  free LSP resource page that you will be given access to – and I have not heard for sure, but I am pretty sure that this free resource page will be combined into the new LSP book as well.

I am truly surprised at the degree of information that is included between the guide and the resource page.  This is not information just for beginners – there is debugging and applications problems discussed as well.  If you let this offer pass you by, you will regret it.

Chris

Vista LSP Issues

June 21st, 2010

Vista can really be a problem for LSP.  There are so many request for LSP help regarding Vista that it has even been attributed its own category – Vista LSP Issues.  You can see this on message and bulletin boards across the web.

I believe that enormous quantity of these problems stem from two simple mistakes.  Many people install only the 32 bit DLLs and the 32 bit LSP or they only install the 64 bit versions.  If you are going to run a 32 bit application on a 64 bit OS, then you must have the 32 bit versions of both the DLLs and the LSP.  If you are running a 64 bit application, then you need the 64 bit versions.

No, I realize that this is a bit of an over-simplification of the Vista/LSP problem, but I do see it so often that it bears repeating again and again.  I know that there are also Internet connection problems and communication problems involving Vista LSP as well.  Those problems will necessitate a bit more of a troubleshooting search than can be accomplished in the scope of this post.

Chris

32 Bit and 64 Bit LSP

June 19th, 2010

Do not blink!  The popularity of 64 bit operating systems is growing every day.  If you want to install your LSP onto a 64 bit operating system, you will need for your LSP to be 64 bit too.

32 bit applications load the 32 bit DLLs and also the 32 bit LSP when they are run on a 64 bit operating system.  So you are still going to need to install the 32 bit LSP first.

Of course, when you then run a 64 bit application, it is going to load the 64 bit DLLS.  Therefore you will certainly need to have the 64 bit LSP installed as well.

Both of the LSP stacks (32 and 64) will be kept by your 64 bit operating system.  There will also need to be an installer for both versions too.  It is important to note that when you do install these, you must first install the 32 bit LSP and then the 64 bit LSP.

Chris

Is Winsock LSP Cost Effective?

June 17th, 2010

Most people are ignorant of their need to have a software program that performs the function that Winsock LSP Software performs.  The inserted code is actually difficult to create, often taking a few months, so it’s best to rely on software like Winsock LSP to do the job for you. 

It is very costly to develop and implement such a software program.  In order to have a properly working LSP software that doesn’t slow your computer down, get Winsock LSP.  You get a tried and true product with a guarantee. 

With this software you will be able to automatically make your IP address anonymous and can redirect a call to a new website address if you desire.  Winsock LSP software is not costly, not if you compare it to not having it.

Chris

Winsock LSP Calls

June 15th, 2010

How does the call from the Winsock LSP travel through the interfaces?  How is communication handled within the application?  This is a very brief synopsis.

LSP is the quick way to say Layered Service Provider.  A Winsock LSP is used for a number of reasons.  This technology is not simple, though it may seem that way to the casual computer user.

When a call is sent on a Winsock API, it travels through a succession of gates or interfaces before it reaches the kernels.  The gates, or layers, as they are also called, are where code is inserted in order to monitor, reroute or change the original call.  This is what happens when you utilize adult content controls or block spam or emails.

Chris

Spam

June 13th, 2010

Listen my friends, I hate spam.  I hate spam in all of its many forms.  I even hate food product Spam.  When I was a little kid, my dad used to make these Spam sandwiches.  He would pan fry the Spam and add brown sugar to it.  Then he would put it between two pieces of bread with mayo and eat it.  He said he learned it from his father.  Well, that tradition is not making it to the next generation!

Every single network that ever connects to the Internet is going to have this problem.  It really makes no difference how tight and up-to-date your security is – you are going to get spam.  Firewalls and blockades are nothing to spam.  A spam blocker is one of the most popular and frequently requested Winsock LSP applications. 

Now it is true that spam gets around generic spam blockers as a rule; however, if you built the spam blocker yourself, you could then tailor it towards the specific kind of spam that is your greatest problem.  A custom built Winsock LSP spam blocker would be your greatest spam fighting tool.

I wonder if my dad still makes those Spam sandwiches.  I am going to have to call him and ask.

Chris

Different Networks, One Solution: LSP

June 11th, 2010

Networks – they are all different.  Yes, in general, all networks are similar, but ultimately they each operate differently.  Even if you administer two networks yourself, they are going to be differentiated in some way or form.  When it comes down to it, all networks are different.

How a network is regulated is going to depend on the person running the network.  Yes, they all have administrators and servers, but the differences are going to come out based on how they are run by the people in charge.

Winsock LSP is a really great tool for the network administrator for this reason.  Winsock LSP allows the network administrator to run the network with less hassle and headache.  Winsock LSP can create individual programs that will handle the more complex computer networking aspects.

Chris