I like to be able to control an external application (Specifically ICQ)

[Michael Khachiki]

I like to control ICQ, a web based massaging application. (Http://www.ICQ.com). My knowledge of ACTIVE X is very limited so if some one can recommend a web page that explains ACTIVE X at a very beginner�s level I will appreciate it. Also if some one could mention what sort of information I need from ICQ to enable me to do that it will be very helpful.

[Jeremy Braden]

I have used ActiveX quite a bit and I am not so confident you will be successful trying to use ICQ that way. From what I could see on their website, they offer a stand alone program which may or may not have an activX implementation. What is more important though is that there is no documentation on their site for using their product via ActiveX. This means you will still be in a world of hurt after you confirm you can use ActiveX. I recommend contacting them to see if you can get any documentation.

As for a primer on activeX, the best place to start learning is on the web. Don't get bogged down on the actual activeX coding. In LabVIEW you will not actually be writing and activeX control or automation server--you will be using them. Another good pl
ace to look is NI's website. Go here http://search.ni.com/?col=alldocs&layout=TechResources&ql=a and search for activex labview . Start your search with just the tutorials on the search page.

[Michael Khachiki]

Jeremy

Thank you for the answer. However I need to understand the concept of Active X controls and were are its applications and how to use it?

I am interested in controlling external applications. I don't know if "Active X" is the correct way to do it. Can some one comment on this issue. "What is the best way to control an external application such as ICQ"?

[shoneill]

There are some applications which are designed to be controlled from other programs and systems (Microsoft Office is a good example for me). On the Windows Platform, the method of control is ActiveX.

The ActiveX functionality must be part of the program design. If an application is not designed and written to allow ActiveX control from external applications, you cannot use ActiveX for controlling this application.

The lowest common denominator for controlling applications which offer NO interface for external control is simulation of keypresses through the System. Needless to say this is extremely awkward and problematic.

Bottom line: Not all applications can be "within reason" controlled by an external program. If ICQ does not offer
an interface for external control, then maybe there is a similar product which has the same functionality as ICQ which DOES have an ACtiveX interface.

Shane

[Jeremy Braden]

I want to compliment Shane on his answer. It is much more eloquent than mine.

Micheal,
There is no single paragraph I can write to explain how to use activeX. I recommend NI's site for specific uses of activeX within LabVIEW. As Shane mentioned, just about every use of a MS office product with LabVIEW is done via ActiveX so if you need to see an example, search with the keywords excel or word.

NI offers a class called LabVIEW Advanced. It covers a lot of advanced topics including the use of activeX. If you would like to learn more, goto www.ni.com/custed