ActiveX controls provide added functionality to a host of Web based applications. It is good to look at the functions and features. So that we can be aware of what it does so that you can have an idea of the potential benefits of having it. In the most basic terms, ActiveX controls are programming tools. Their purpose is to help developers make more efficient Web based programs and applications. In a way you can visualize them as something similar to Java. By this we mean such common Net features like forums, videos and posting, editing online forms. Also included in their functions are looking at different file types and animation.
However, their functionality goes beyond that. When you have these tools in your computer, other processes also benefit. These are the programs that function in the background. While your main applications run, these components help background processes run properly as well. When a program has finished installing ActiveX, several files are placed in the system. These are placed in the Windows or Windows System folders. The resulting files are the components that make up these tools.
One of the most critical of these is the COM also known as Component Object Model. It is utilized in network systems to create programs that can function within this setting. The other modules perform other tasks. Most of them interact with the communication facilities of your system or other network system. One of the reasons why they have become popular is their flexibility. Programmers can use Visual Basic, ATL, C++, MFC and more to program them.
If you use Internet Explorer you already have the tools in your system, as they are installed with the browser. If you want to change the settings do the following. Click Tools on the menu and select Internet Options. Click the button marked security. Choose Custom Level. In the settings box, you will see several options. Study each option and click the appropriate buttons. When you are done, click OK and close all the windows to return to the main screen. But if you are using Mozilla or Netscape, you must download a plug-in to get the components to work. It should be noted that installing ActiveX in the Firefox web browser is not possible right now.
While the components were developed for Windows, some Mac users may have it in their system. This is particularly true if you use video conferencing software. However there is no direct way to put these components in a Macintosh because they were designed for Windows. There are some emulators on the Net but it is unlikely that they are effective. Although the information concerning these programming tools may seem complex, it should not bother a casual computer user. Most applications that utilize these parts will save you the trouble by installing ActiveX.Even though you may not be aware of it, they perform vital functions and as technology progresses, their role in Windows and the Internet becomes more important.
Author Resource:
This article touched the basics of the topic. I have 2 more resources related to the above. They are install activex and install active x . They are worth a read.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")