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You may have tried downloading an update to the Dial Up Networking in Windows 95, or it's TCP/IP stack, and found a plethora of updates.
These include:
These were some times feature additions, other times bug fixes. Each major update is described briefly below.
It was noted by hackers that Windows could be crashed by sending it incorrect TCP/IP packets (pieces of data). Instead of handling it gracfully, the TCP/IP stack would crash, often taking the OS with it. This could also be exploited by sending the machine too many requests for it to handle.
A different exploit was to send the machine too many requests. This exploit basically produces a similar result: the TCP/IP system fails.
The update is simply to fix these issues. It does not add any new features.
The Windows sockets specification defines how network applications can talk to other programs over the internet using the Microsoft TCP/IP stack or compatible stack. Windows Sockets 2 is a newer specification which defines extra features available to applications. The Windows Sockets 2 update integrates all previous fixes to the TCP/IP stack. Additionally, some recent software requires it.
Since Windows Sockets 2 integrates previous bug fixes (for problems in the TCP/IP stack that is fixed by the above update) it is wise to upgrade. The upgrade requires a number of pre-conditions for intallation, please read the Release Notes before installing.
Dial Up Networking is the piece of software which connects your computer to the internet and requests the TCP/IP protocol to start. Dial Up Networking updates include things like better script support, and the ability to use Virtual Private Networks and multiple modem links for the one connection.
Dial up Networking 1.2 includes Windows Sockets 1.1, and v1.3 includes Windows Sockets 2.0. If you intend to upgrade Dial Up Networking and Windows sockets you should use Dial Up Networking 1.3.
Well, this all depends on your needs. Obviously, an update to the TCP/IP stack is nessecary, to ensure the smooth running of your computer. For most users who connect to the internet using a single modem for private pruposes the Dial Up Networking update is unnessecary. However, they may find that their more recent applications require them to have Windows Sockets 2 (often abbreviated to Winsock) installed.
So, installation of Windows sockets, which includes the nessecary updates, would be a good choice.
Dial Up Networking 1.3 download
KnowledgeBase article: DUN 1.3 Release Notes
KnowledgeBase article about Winsock 2 updated
Microsoft Windows 95 download page
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