When a computer user checks email or uses instant messaging or a peer-to-peer (P2P) program, he or she is opening a socket and connecting to another computer or server. A socket error occurs when there is a problem with the user’s computer or with the other computer or server while connecting. There are over 100 socket errors, but they all boil down to similar problems on both sides of the connection. Fixing a socket error is usually easy, but not always.
Sockets, whether used in Linux® or another operating system (OS), are made to establish a connection between a client program and a server.
A computer socket connection occurs when both sides of the connection open a gateway to the other. In the case of email verification, the user’s computer opens to a mail server, while the mail server accepts and opens to the user’s computer. Sockets are commonly used between different systems, but can also be used by two programs on the same system. A socket can be considered a virtual thread between programs.
Socket errors are usually associated with failed Internet connections.
Socket errors manifest when something prevents the socket from connecting. The socket error could come from the user’s computer or from another computer or server. While there are many different socket errors, most of them are pretty much the same, with a few minor variations. The most common cause of a socket error is a firewall or antivirus program blocking the socket.
On the user’s computer, socket error problems usually stem from the Internet connection. If the user’s router is turned off while connecting or if the program itself is accidentally closed, a socket error can occur. They can also be caused if the user’s Internet Protocol (IP) address is not set correctly. The user needs to verify these connections and may need to call their ISP for help.
The other side of the connection, the second computer or server, cannot be repaired by the person making the socket connection. Common reasons for socket errors on this side are that the server is down or down, or that side is overloaded with visitors. It may be helpful to contact the server operator if contact information is available. Until the server problem is fixed, the socket error will continue to appear.
Socket errors can occur when a connection is being made or in the middle of a connection. If it happens during the connection, all downloads or uploads will be stopped. Fixing the error will restore the connection and everything should continue where it left off.
