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A loosely defined set of standards
from MICROSOFT for creating software components. Often misleadingly compared
with JAVA, the most visible aspects of ActiveX to internet users are
controls, small pieces of software that extend the capabilities of web
BROWSERS such as Microsoft's
INTERNET EXPLORER and
NETSCAPE'S NAVIGATOR.
these controls may perform many functions, such as displaying animations or
allowing access to CHAT rooms, and can be written in many languages,
including JAVA.
ActiveX has raised many concerns about security on the web. Unlike most
other downloadable chunks of code, ActiveX controls can access nearly all
the functions of a WINDOWS-based
PC, including those relating to the
hardware. this gives them great power and flexibility, but exposes unwary
users to Potential security hazards. Malicious HACKERS can easily write
small programs that will shut down a computer without warming or delete the
entire content of its hard drive. More worryingly, several researchers and
hackers have demonstrated apparently innocent controls that are harmless on
their own but become malicious when installed alongside other ones.
JAVA fans and many security consultants cite these Problems as good
reasons to avoid the use of ActiveX. Microsoft, however, says that the use
of a DIGITAL SIGNATURE to identify controls from trusted companies will
guarantee user security. Whoever is right, it appears that more and people
are shunning ActiveX in favour of JAVA APPLETS and
FLASH applications, which
are now much more common on the web. |
