What is ActiveX?

ActiveX is a term Microsoft uses 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. The two technologies are similar in that they are designed to be downloaded and executed by web browsers. The difference is that while ActiveX controls can interface with Microsoft Windows more effectively than Java, they offer very little cross-platform support. For examples, see CNET's library of ActiveX controls.

For more information about ActiveX and related technologies, visit the Microsoft Component Object Model Technologies page.

Also see:

• What is OLE?
• What are COM, COM+, and DCOM?
• What are ActiveX controls?