Winsock2 LSP Corruption & Fix

Figure: Winsock 2 Architecture (Source: Microsoft)
Introduction
Microsoft Windows Winsock provides network socket facility for Applications via Service Provider Interface (SPI) and is extensible via Layered Service Provider (LSP). A LSP is a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) that uses Winsock Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to insert itself into the TCP/IP stack from where it can intercept and modify all the TCP/IP inbound/outbound internet traffic taking place between Internet and the Application accessing internet. In simple words, LSP typically handles low-level Internet-related tasks, and data is passed through a chain of these programs on its way to and from the Internet.

Winsock LSPs are available for a wide range of useful purposes, e.g. internet access control, web content filtering, traffic analysis etc. The Winsock API prvoides a mecahnism for layering providers to implement only higher level custom communication functions. The layering order of all providers is kept in the Winsock Catalog.

About LSP Corruption
One of the major issue with LSPs is that if they are removed or unregistered improperly or if the LSP is malformed (buggy), it could result in corruption of the Winsock catalog in the registry, the entire TCP/IP stack would break, potentially resulting in a loss of all network connectivity. Lot of Spyware, Adware & Malware may insert themselves as an LSP in the network stack to spy on the habits and data of the user and may forward all of the user's internet traffic to an unauthorized external site for data mining purpose. The problem can also be caused by any improperly written Layered Service Provider software, or the deletion of any LSP program's files. If you uninstall/delete these malformed programs (spyware, adware), it may happen that you won't be able to access Internet. This is due to the broken LSP chain.

LSP Corruption FIX
If you are running Windows XP (Service Pack 2), there are two new Netsh commands available (although Winsock self heals in XP SP2).
1. netsh winsock show catalog
This command displays the list of all Winsock LSPs that are installed on the computer. You can go through the list to find malformed LSPs.

2. netsh winsock reset catalog
This command resets the Winsock catalog to the default configuration. This can be useful if a malformed LSP is installed that results in loss of network connectivity. While use of this command can restore network connectivity, it should be used with care because any previously installed LSPs will need to be re-installed.

If you are runing Windows XP (Without Service Pack 2), you would need to manually repair winsock by deleting the corrupted registry keys and then reinstall/reset the TCP/IP protocol.

Step 1: Delete the corrupted registry keys
Warning: Backup your registry before you edit it. For more information about how to back up the registry, click here
1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. In Registry Editor, locate the following keys, right-click each key, and then click Delete:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock2
4. When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes.
5. Restart the computer after you delete the Winsock keys. Doing so causes the Windows XP operating system to create new shell entries for those two keys.
Note: If you do not restart the computer after you delete the Winsock keys, the next step does not work correctly.

Step 2: Reset TCP/IP Protocol Stack
1. Run the following Netsh Command
netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt
2. Restart your computer.

When you run the reset command, it rewrites following pertinent registry keys that are used by the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) stack to reach the same result as the removal and the reinstallation of the protocol.
SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\
SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\DHCP\Parameters\

Other Operating Systems
If your Operating System is Windows 98, 98SE or ME, You can download the following program to fix Winsock LSP.
Winsockfix
LSP-Fix
XPTCPREP

Tandem Paragliding in Queenstown

Ever wondered what it would be like to be a bird, to soar hundreds of feet above the ground, take in the view and get that feeling that you can actually fly? Well, paragliding experience can help you fulfil that fantasy.

Very recently, I had an opportunity to experience the exhilarating Tandem Paragliding flight from the top of the Skyline Gondola in Queenstown, New Zealand. The Skyline sight also allows friends and families to enjoy this event with you, offering other facilities at the top of the gondola such as bar, restaurant and coffee shop, also viewing platforms and a luge ride for anyone needing more time to build up the courage.

About Queenstown Tandem Paraglide
Queenstwon Tandem Paraglide was the first paragliding company in Queenstown established in 1991. QTP has 15 local and international pilots working all year round. They are all NZHGPA registered and have many years of experience, and they have been taking people for the flight of their life since 1991.

The flight takes you over a pine forest, practically skimming the top of the tall pine trees, the ground then drops dramatically away exposing you to 2100 feet of breath-taking views beneath you. Your flight can be a smooth, tranquil sightseeing experience or a thrilling adrenalin rush; the choice is entirely yours.

About my Flight
I took a ride up the top of the Skyline Gondola (Cost 20 Bucks) and headed to their office behind the Cafe. I met the Pilot their, paid the fee (around $150) and was ready to go. I was walking up through the scenic pine forests to the launching area where I was given a simple briefing on take off and landing. It was that simple – absolutely no experience necessary. As soon as we took off, my heart was pounding heavily (may be because it was my first time). After sometime, I was enjoying it very much and had a bit of adventure while landing. Here is a short video of my first Paraglide flight.

Tips for aspiring Gliders
Please dress appropriately for the conditions, specially footwear. A reasonable level of fitness is required as there is an uphill walk to the launch site and a brief run is required to inflate the glider and take off.

Tandem Paragliding experience is your way to get as close as you possibly can to the ultimate dream of free flight.

Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump

I had booked myself onto the AJ Hackett Bungy Jump and to my surprise I survived the 43 Metre Bungy Jump from Karawau Bridge. The Kawarau Bridge Bungy is home to the original 43 Metre Bungy Jump and is the first commercial Bungy site in the world. If you've heard of Bungy, you've heard of Kawarau. It is located 25 KMs outside Queenstown (New Zealand) in a picturesque valley overlooking the crystal clear Kawarau River.

Introduction
Kawarau is the place to go for New Zealand's only bungy simulator as well as a real jump from the bridge. Kawarau Bridge Bungy is also the only Bungy in Queenstown where you can choose to bob above the water, touch it, or be fully immersed. You can also choose from a number of options; topple over backwards, forwards, with another person, spin or somersault. Spectator areas are perfectly positioned for viewing the frantic and funny facial expressions and body language of the real jumpers. It’s a user-friendly site in superb surroundings - the perfect setting for a memorable ground rush. As they say 'Be There or be Square’.



My Jump
When I was planning the Trip for New Zealand, the first thing that came to my mind was Bungy Jumping. I like watching adventurous and extreme sports and this time, it was a perfect opportunity for me to experience it via Bungy Jump. Despite the inherent danger of jumping from a great height, I was pumped up and ready for this personal challenge. Well, I knew its not that easy as it seems on TV.

Ok, here we go. I was on the Kawarau Bridge and the Guys put all the Gears on me. I took a deep breath, looked down, and Guys started counting and when they got the counting to one I was still standing there. The Bungy Guy asked me as what happened and I said that I was expecting a Push from him. Ha Ha Ha!! Sounds Funny. To be very honest I got scared of the height and the fact that my Legs were tied up. Anyways, the Bungy Guy asked me to take a deep breathe, look straight ahead and not hold the side railing. Second time, I just jumped. Yeah, it was a jump and not dive as you would do in a pool. Here is a short video of my first bungy jump.



Tips for Aspiring Bungy Jumpers
I think an important point is to not look down once you are set and the counting starts. If you look down during the count then you will have a second guess and hesitate. Your body would scream "This is not right!!!!" and you have to fight it. If you don't look down it helps to fool those internal survival instincts. The guys at AJ Hackett Site were very friendly and they are there to make sure that you have a good time, whether a bungy virgin, or veteran.

Final Words
If you have never tried Bungy jumping, I highly recommend it. The thrill is unbelievable. As you go through life you become less and less exposed to new and exciting events that push your senses to their limits. Your first Bungy jump will do that.

ZOHO: Software as a Service

The future of Software would be in offering Software as a Web Service. This would allow Users to use Web based tools to edit, write, collect and publish online. Most of Internet Users has only seen a glimpse of this new reality via increased use of search engines, web-based social networking tools, image archives, blogs and online collaboration tools. But a lot more is coming in form of web applications offering flexibility, increased availability & affordability, less dependency, more usability and heaps of other rich features. In this Blog, I am going to discuss about the most popular web based Project from ZOHO.

Introduction

ZOHO is one of the brands from AdventNet, a software company started in 1996 focusing on building affordable software for businesses. ZOHO Services hosts wide array of online WEB based Office Productivity Suite and Collaboration Applications that runs in almost any Web Browser and can be accessed from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Zoho believes in offering Software as a service (SaaS) which would have huge productivity benefits to individuals and businesses.

Technology Used

ZOHO requires nothing but a bare browser. To accomplish this, it uses AJAX and Javascript on the front end. This means it works with any web browser. On the backend it uses MySQl and Java. The Operating System used is Linux. The infrastructure is designed such that Services are always up and data is always backed up, secured and protected.

ZOHO Application Suite

ZOHO provides a complete suite of applications, not just for documents and spreadsheets. Its office type offerings include Zoho Writer(Word Processor), Zoho Sheet (Spreadsheet), Zoho Show (Presentation), Zoho Wiki (WYSIWYG wiki), Zoho Meeting (Web Conferencing), Zoho Notebook, Zoho Creator (to Create Online Database & Web Applications).

Zoho also offers web based Business tools such as Zoho CRM (Elegant & Affordable On-Demand CRM Solution), Zoho Planner (an online organizer with todo, reminders, and notes) and Zoho Chat (a group chat tool), Zoho Mail that includes an email client, shared documents, calendars and more. It also offers Utilities like Zoho Polls (for Surveys, Rating, Polling) and Website Monitoring Service.

ZOHO Application Features

• Zoho based Applications are Cross Platform, always up-to-date, require no physical purchase, no download, no installation and no setup.
• Zoho Applications have a polished AJAX (WEB 2) interface and are faster to respond.
• Zoho Applications are born with built-in collaboration abilities and with the potential to do many things not possible on the desktop.
• Zoho Applications are easily affordable (most of them are free), available all the time from anywhere in the world with an internet connection and a browser.
  
• Zoho Application supports Document Sharing (TAG), features are easy to find and readily exposed.
• Zoho Office supports keyboard shortcuts as you would expect in an offline application.

Is ZOHO Free?
So, how much does it cost? Like Google Apps, Zoho offers FREE Versions of its most of the web based services but hopes to tempt Business Users and Volume Buyers with subscription plans that sharply undercut Microsoft.

Conclusion

Despite of competitive services from Google Docs, Thinkfree and other players, ZOHO continues to dominate the web based application market. ZOHO has experience of five years in developing web based applications. With their expertise in this area, they are not only developing useful web-based services but continues to improve on what they already offer.

So What are you waiting for? Just visit zoho.com and establish a sign-in name and a password. Zoho recently allowed users to sign on to the Suite's various services with a single ID.