Learning to install Active X controls is something Web users must know. Properly set up, it’ll help them access some of the Net’s best and most essential features. The following are the steps you need to put them in.

Needed Tools and Equipment

You must have a computer with Windows installed (version 9x and up). You should also have a Web browser.Preparing Your PC

For the components to work, Windows must be installed properly. If
there are error messages in the system, consider reinstalling it. Your user guide should help you in case there are problems.
After setting up the PC you must have the Web browser set up. To install Active X, your browser must support it. Most of the time, Windows comes bundled with Internet Explorer.

Installing

When you install Internet Explorer, the Active X components are added with it. You can check this for yourself. Right click the Start button. Click Search. In the “all or part of the file name” field, type *.ocx. All the files ending with that extension will be shown. Those are the installed components in your computer.

Modifying the Controls

Changing the settings is easy enough. Open Internet Explorer. Head to the Tools menu. Click Internet Options and press Security. Click the Custom Level button. You’ll see various settings there. Make the necessary changes. Click OK until you get back to the main window.

Update the Controls

Although you get to install Active X when you add Internet Explorer, it isn’t the latest version. To get the newest you have two options. You can download Internet Explorer or just the components. Both can be downloaded free from Microsoft’s website. Other websites also carry them.

Downloading these files isn’t any different from others. You simply click the right link and the process begins. Some sites let you download an .exe version of the components. Others will install them automatically as it is downloaded.

Using the Controls with Other Browsers

For browsers like Chrome, Safari and Firefox, you‘ll need to install some plugins first. These browsers don’t natively recognize Active X. By adding the plugins, they’ll be able to read the files. Each browser requires different plugins so get the correct one before you install Active X.

Tips and Warnings

Websites might ask you to install some Active X controls so the page will load. Usually you just need to click a link to get the files. Be careful when adding these files though. Most are harmless, but some are malicious programs.

Only add controls from reputable sites. Also keep an updated antivirus software in your PC. Having an anti spyware app is also recommended.

If your system gets clogged with unused controls, remove them. For Windows XP users go to Control Panel. Click Add / Remove Programs. Remove the file. Don’t delete the files from the system folder. Let Windows delete it.

Knowing how to install Active X and update them is easy enough. Correctly added in, you’ll get to enjoy some of the finest aspects of Web surfing.