A socket (as far as I can remember with Windows) is the IP address plus the port number.
i think this kind of clears it up a little more for me. so basically

SOCKET=(IP ADDRESS)+(PORT #)

is what you are saying. if so then i understand it much better. thank you.

p.s. its great that you can find a couple thousand people to 'clear things up for you' in times of doubt, and usually in a matter of minutes. thanks again