SOCKS

[Patrick Hayden <path () terrestrial net>]

This may be a lame question, but I'd like help trying to figure out how 
SOCKS compares to a traditional proxy server.  What software do I need at 
the SOCKS server and what do I need at a client machine?  Do I need a 
special SOCKS-ified version of Telnet and FTP in order to traverse the 
SOCKS host?

Also, what are the benefits of using SOCKS as opposed to a stateful or 
session layer firewall?

All responses are appreciated.  All flames will be ignored.

Thanks,
Pat Hayden