Developing components and hosting them on Microsoft Internet Explorer or the Windows 98 Active Desktop can make software development faster, more robust and flexible than ever before. This is the complete developer's guide to component development for both distributed and local applications. Learn how to use Internet Explorer, Active Desktop and their components as an application framework for building both local and distributed (intranet/Internet) applications. Learn how to build ActiveX controls and COM objects; script ActiveX controls; use ActiveX controls from other "host" environments; use ActiveX in client/server development, and more. Learn key techniques for distributed and server-side programming; installation and signing. There's detailed coverage of what not to do (a full chapter of "Stupid Windows Tricks") -- plus a preview of the future of COM and ActiveX. For experienced developers making the transition to component development.