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Winsock (short for Windows Sockets) is an application programming interface (API) that enables Windows programs to access network services, particularly TCP/IP. It provides a standard interface that allows network applications like web browsers to communicate with the underlying network protocol stack. In simpler terms, it's a set of rules and functions that lets software on a Windows computer talk to other computers on a network.

API: A Winsock application uses the Winsock API to create "sockets," which are like endpoints for a network connection.

Communication: It defines how programs can create sockets, connect to remote machines, and send and receive data over the network.

TCP/IP: Winsock is primarily used for network protocols like TCP/IP, which are the fundamental protocols that power the internet.

Web Browsers: Many network applications, including early web browsers and modern ones like Google Chrome, rely on the Winsock standard to function.

Troubleshooting: A common network troubleshooting command, netsh winsock reset, can be used to reset the Winsock catalog to its default settings, which can resolve certain internet connectivity issues.