Are you using the Firefox web browser and have problems because it doesn’t use ActiveX objects? There is a plug-in available for use on the Firefox web browser. Let’s talk about what ActiveX is and why it is important to have the plug-in for the Firefox web browser.

What is Active X?

ActiveX is a program designed for reusable software components in order for them to act on a specific function(s) in Microsoft Windows in a form that acts independently from the programming language used to implement them. Software applications can then be produced from one or more of these components so that its function can be used. Microsoft first introduced ActiveX in 1996 to help in the development of its Object Linking and Embedding and Component Object Model technologies. It is frequently used in Windows, even though ActiveX is not directly tied to the operating system.

Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Visual Studio, and Microsoft Office are some of the Windows applications that utilize ActiveX in order to encapsulate each of their functionalities and produce their feature set. ActiveX controls can also be embedded into websites using Internet Explorer.

Microsoft developed ActiveX to bring the World Wide Web to life. In the prehistoric days of the internet, when internet content was two dimensional, graphics and text only, there was no ActiveX. With its implementation, internet sites could incorporate interactive objects, multimedia effects, and complicated applications to make their websites come alive. ActiveX is the bond that brings together these applications in order to make the internet “active”.

Active X and Firefox

Since Firefox doesn’t use ActiveX objects, you may want to install the plug-in to ensure your getting the most out of your internet browser. Here are the steps you can take to determine which version of Firefox you’re using and how to install ActiveX into Firefox:

• First you’ll need to find out what version of Firefox you have installed by clicking on "Help" from Firefox’s menu. Click "About Firefox" to see which version you’re using. You’ll find this listed under the Firefox logo.

• Next, you’ll need to go to the Mozilla Firefox website and find the Esker ActiveX Plug-In.

• Research to find out what version of the plug-in is compatible with your version of Firefox. Always choose the most up to date version of ActiveX if there are more than one listed for the version of Firefox you are running. This way, you’ll get the latest updates.

• Be certain that you have checked the box labeled "Experimental Add-On." Now click "Add to Firefox."

• Click on the "Accept and Install" button. As soon as the installation is complete, Active X will be automatically installed into Firefox. If the application doesn’t automatically activate, click on "Tools" and "Add-Ons" in the Firefox menu. Click the "Plug-Ins" tab, then "Enable." ActiveX should now be running in Firefox.

Now that you have a better understanding of what ActiveX is and how it is used to enhance your website applications, you can upgrade your version of the Firefox web browser and get all the enjoyment that ActiveX provides.