A website often relies on programs to increase its functionality. These programs are executed by scripts or program codes that are embedded within the contents of the web page. Active content is this program code that is automatically downloaded and executed on the users web page once the page is accessed by the web browser.
Software development companies create interactive and dynamic active content to enhance the features of a web page.
The dynamic active content is downloaded on the users workstation which enables a user to see highly interactive content. These include animated GIFs, weather maps, streaming video and audio as well as ActiveX applications. A software development service builds browser active content using Java, a programming language, JavaScript, a scripting language or ActiveX, a set of object oriented programming technologies. These services are adopted to build active content because they are supported by most browsers (ActiveX is supported by IE).
Of the above three programming languages, Java is still used by
custom software development companies to build active content programs. The reason: Java has the best build-in security controls. Unsigned Java applets responsible for active content in your web pages arent allowed to make unnecessary network connections. They also cannot indulge in dangerous things like rebooting your system or formatting your hard drive. Sadly, signed Java applets can do it, unless you do not give permission to run it.
But ActiveX always has some problems with security. The only security provision offered by ActiveX to developers is the optional digital signature. Most ActiveX contents are certified by a trusted third party involved in SSL security. A good software development service will sign its controls to make sure it is secured. However, ActiveX content have been criticized for carrying malicious code, even if it is signed. This is because it can be easily manipulated by other developers for their own selfish needs. This can infringe your personal files and data. So, you will have to think twice before installing any ActiveX content.
