Microsoft uses the term ActiveX
to describe a number of its COM
technologies. However, when most
people say "ActiveX", they are
really referring to ActiveX
controls, Microsoft's answer to
Java applets. Like applets,
programs that use ActiveX
controls run on the client
computer, not the server.
ActiveX controls are small
program building blocks that can
be used to create distributed
applications that work over the
Internet through web browsers.
Examples include customized
applications for gathering data,
viewing certain kinds of files,
and displaying animation.
ActiveX is a technology that was developed by the Microsoft to provide reusable application modules along with incorporating unique program functionalities and interactivities. This technology allows for the embedding of different programs using the OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) method also developed by Microsoft.
