ActiveX is a technology developed by Microsoft for sharing information among different applications.
ActiveX is an outgrowth of two other Microsoft technologies: OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) and COM (Component Object Model). ActiveX supports features that enable it to take advantage of the Internet. For example, an
ActiveX control can be automatically downloaded and executed by a Web browser.
ActiveX is not a programming language, but rather a set of rules for how applications should share information. Programmers can develop
ActiveX controls in a variety of languages, including C , C++, Visual Basic, and Java. An ActiveX control is similar to a Java applet. Unlike Java applets, however, ActiveX controls have full access to the Windows operating system. This gives them more power than Java applets, but also the risk that the control may damage software on your machine. To control this risk, Microsoft developed a registration system so that browsers can identify and authenticate an ActiveX control before downloading it. Another difference between Java applets and ActiveX controls is that Java applets run on all platforms, whereas ActiveX controls are currently limited to Windows environments. Related to ActiveX is the scripting language VBScript that enables Web authors to embed interactive elements in HTML documents. Just as JavaScript is similar to Java, so VBScript is similar to Visual Basic. Currently, Microsoft's Web browser, Internet Explorer, supports Java, JavaScript, and ActiveX, whereas Netscape's Navigator browsers support only Java
and JavaScript. Research ActiveX
Adobe GoLive 4.0 is an HTMLdesign program. The program operates on the paradigm that layout is king. It gives you as much control over the presentation of your site as possible at the cost, however, of usability. GoLive goes out of its way to protect you from the standard nomenclature and concepts of typical Web-page design. For instance, you can place layout grids for all your elements, from text to graphics, and use layers and tables to make sure that the layout is maintained. The program creates the actual code automatically in the background, and while the resulting pages appear as you laid them out, they will not be very dynamic. Other programs would do well to emulate a number of exceptional features in GoLive. Features such as Java and JavaScript support, database integration, and XML code, considered extras in other programs, are fully integrated with this program and its interface. And GoLive includes a QuickTime editor so not only can you incorporate movies into your pages, you can also coordinate them with HTML-based pages
popping up on cue in separate frames. For all its nods to graphic design, GoLive gives you access to the HTML source code in its own editor, and the Outline view treats the text like object-oriented coding. This feature is helpful if you've got object-oriented training, but not if you're accustomed only to more typical HTML coding standards. The program's interface is clean, thanks to a clever, context-sensitive Inspector that keeps open only the window being worked on. A tabbed palette contains icons for most elements, and you can drag and drop them into your design. Access to some of the most basic tools, however, is unnecessarily convoluted. Adobe GoLive 4.0 creates an environment well-suited for graphic designers, but it's likely to present a significant challenge to those versed in traditional HTML coding. Used as a vertical application with other Adobe products, it makes a great deal of sense, but be prepared to buy into that family-of-products philosophy and perhaps into the Mac platform, as well. Research Adobe GoLive 4.0
A browser sniffer is a script, usually a JavaScript, embedded in an HTML web page which attempts to determine the client web browser being used to access the page. A browser sniffer attempts to read the USER AGENT parameter passed by the clientbrowser, and may redirect the reader automatically to different web pages depending upon the perceived browser in use. Browser sniffers are used because of incompatibilities in the enhanced functionality offered by different web browsers, and the desire of web page designers to achieve a consistent look-and-feel to their web pages across different platforms. Research Browser Sniffer
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research ActiveX
