Accessing a file on Client's machine

<i><b>Originally posted by : Chris Johnson (chrisjohnson123@hotmail.com)</b></i><br />I am trying to write an ActiveX control or a Java applet to access a file on client's machine. Which is the better way to go with? ActiveX or Java? I heard that ActiveX only works on IE4+. Is that true? Does anyone ever work on a project like this?

<i><b>Originally posted by : Scotty Wilson (scotty.wilson@infinity.co.nz)</b></i><br />My limited understanding of ActiveX is that you are correct in saying it will only work on MS browsers. Java applets, which I belive are cross-browser compatible would therefore be wiser.<br />Also, I think ActiveX components must be installed via the client machine's browser, which means if you connect to a server without it, the server will ask you if you want to install it. So in other words, you must distribute your File Access ActiveX component to all clients that want/need it either manually or by download. This is a security measure to prevent access to the client's browser or machine without their acceptance. <br />I do not know whether Java applets have similar security restrictions, but from what I have seen in my limited experience with them, they do not, hence are potentially more dangerous to the client if one was written with malicious intent. Good luck, and try the MS site (http://search.microsoft.com) should you decide to go down the ActiveX path - it always has good articles and resources (just like ASPFree).<br /><br /><br />------------<br />Chris Johnson at 12/18/2000 8:18:11 AM<br /><br />I am trying to write an ActiveX control or a Java applet to access a file on client's machine. Which is the better way to go with? ActiveX or Java? I heard that ActiveX only works on IE4+. Is that true? Does anyone ever work on a project like this?

<i><b>Originally posted by : jason (no@email.please)</b></i><br />in addition to that, you'll have to sign your code in order for your java applet to run outside of the "sandbox" and access files on the client machine.<br /><br />to sign your code, you need a code-signing certificate from verisign (or one of the other CAs). i'm not sure if you can generate your own for that... last i checked the certificate was like $600!!!<br /><br />good luck,<br />j