Active X is the name for a selection of object-oriented tools and programming technologies that were developed by Microsoft. From time to time, new versions of Active X have been released to provide support to the ever widening array of applications that are used in the home and the workplace. Active X can have an impact on applications that run quietly in the background, as well as applications that are used for online communications.

Active X

What are the basic components of Active X?

The single key tool within Active X is the component object model, or COM. When employed within a network, this tool functions as a distributed component object model, and aids in writing a program to run in the Active X environment. Above and beyond the COM are a series of other components that give Active X the ability to interact with several communication applications.

What Does Active X Do?

Essentially, Active X is Microsoft's equivalent to Java, the tool manufactured by Sun Microsystems. This means that Active X can provide the means to launch a wide range of online features, such as the ability to view screens in a web conference, participate in message boards, and interact with various types of online media.

How Do I Know If I Have Active X?

If you have a Windows based computer and are running a Microsoft operating system, then you have Active X. Some signs that Active X is present include the caching of files on your system with the file name suffix of "ocx." This suffix stands for Object Linking and Embedding Control, which is part of the program technology made possible by Active X. You will also note that you have files related to Active X control housed on your hard drive.

However, there is also a chance that you have Active X if you are using a Macintosh system. This is because there are some software applications that require Active X in order to function properly. Web conferencing systems sometimes rely on Active X to make it possible for participants to make use of whiteboard or engage in collaboration functions. There is also a good chance that if you are running Unix in some form that Active X is also present.