What is "ActiveX control" ?

[mycats]

I have opened a few web pages that say they cannot display properly because I do not have ActiveX installed. Should I get it? Where would I get it?

[peanut]

Sure, why not. I do it. There should be an option to download it when the message pops up telling you you need it.

[fo3nix]

It's a Microsoft-only thing that some websites use. You'll need to be browsing with internet explorer. And it does increase your risk from certain viruses (several exploits have been down to activeX). But if you trust the site then enable it (it's part of IE already).

[vehelpfulguy]

Actually it is not saying you do not have activeX installed.

It is actually saying you do not have a particular program for that site that is written in ActiveX.

People write programs using ActiveX that then need to be downloaded so you can look at the site.

As long as you trust the site it should be OK, but if it is a porn site, or a free ringtones site then be wary as it may be all sorts of things (dialer, pop up programs etc)