Looking for the Internet Development Toolbox? Relax, you're in the right place. We've expanded the old Toolbox to cover much more than just HTML and programming--that's why we renamed it the Site Builder Workshop. The Toolbox articles and samples for hard-core programmers have been moved to this section (the Programming section) of the Workshop, and you can type in http://www.microsoft.com/intdev/ as before to come here directly. Be sure to browse through the other areas of the Workshop as well--click the spheres in the upper-left corner to start from the home page.
The Programming area is here to help you do the programming you need to do to have way cool and way profitable Web sites and Internet applications. Specifically, this section covers development of ActiveX controls, use of ActiveX controls in Web pages and in other applications, development of ActiveX document servers, development of applications that use Internet communications technology, and development of server-side functionality, including database access, ISAPI filters, applications, and (soon) server-side scripting and controls.
This area will also cover HTML tags used to specify active objects, scripting, and forms, although you will find complete HTML coverage in our Authoring/Editing area.
Overviews
ActiveX SDK
ActiveX Conferencing
ActiveX Controls
Code Signing
Security
Server Software
VBScript
Additional Technology Papers and Samples
Links to Relevant Topics
| Overviews |
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Creating Platforms for Innovative Internet Software (Updated: Jun 25, 1996)
Before you dive into specifics, read this overview of Microsoft's Internet story, written by Microsoft's key technologists.Developing and Deploying Interactive Applications on the Internet (Mar 1996)
This paper outlines the advantages of Web-based applications and introduces some of the important new technologies for the Web, including the latest developments in Web server APIs and visual development tools.The Internet--Just Another Name for Client/Server Computing (Dec 1995)
James Utzschneider talks about using OLE to extend your applications to support Internet standards. Learn about leveraging your knowledge of tools like Visual Basic and Visual C++ on the Internet.Dr. GUI Gets Webbed
(May 16, 1996)
Link to the Developer Network News, where Microsoft's developer and answer man, Dr. GUI, explains what it means to "activate the Internet," demystifies ActiveX, and answers your questions about the Internet technologies available today.Web Pages: A Programmer's Perspective (Jun 25, 1996)
This article focuses on using "active" technologies to add new and exciting functionality to Web pages, and explains the issues, challenges, and resources you’ll deal with when creating Web pages that include active content.
| ActiveX SDK |
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Overview of ActiveX SDK (Early June 1996 Beta) (June 6, 1996)
Read about the Microsoft ActiveX SDK, which includes a variety of technologies that Microsoft is introducing to facilitate development of Internet applications and content.Download ActiveX SDK
This release of the ActiveX SDK focuses on technologies associated with the recent Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 Beta 1 release, and is available for downloading over the Internet.Selected ActiveX SDK Specs:
COM Specification (May 1996)Relevant Articles and Samples:
The Component Object Model Specification contains the standard APIs supported by the COM Library, and the standard suites of interfaces supported or used by software written in a COM environment, along with the network protocols used by COM in support of distributed computing.Microsoft Java VM (Jun 20, 1996)
The Microsoft Java VM is an ActiveX control that allows Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 users to run Java applets. See the Java VM page for documentation and to download the control.Microsoft Scripting Object Model (Jun 25, 1996)
An overview of the Microsoft scripting object model, and description of the methods, properties, and events used with the scripting engines in Internet Explorer.Win32 Internet API (currently being revised)
Describes the Internet extensions to the Microsoft Win32 application programming interface (API). These extensions give Win32 applications easy access to common Internet protocols such as HTTP, FTP, and Gopher.Microsoft WebPost Overview & Reference (currently being revised)
Microsoft WebPost is an API set that allows authoring tools to easily post Web pages (files) to the Web. The WebPost functions handle the details of connecting to the ISP, determining the protocol to use for copying the files, and so on.
URL Monikers and OLE Hyperlinks (June 4, 1996)
This paper reviews OLE 2.0 monikers and how they have evolved into an asynchronous representation for use on the Internet. The paper also looks at how OLE hyperlinking is extending the point-and-click browsing metaphor beyond HTML.Building an Internet Browser Using the Win32 Internet Functions (Apr 1996)
This technical article discusses how to build an Internet browser using the Microsoft Win32 Internet functions. The SurfBear sample application, which accompanies this article, uses the Win32 Internet functions to read HTML files from an Internet ser ver and to display them as raw, unformatted text.
| ActiveX Conferencing |
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General Info on ActiveX Conferencing (Apr 17, 1996)
An overview of the ActiveX conferencing platform and links to presentations, press releases, and other sites of interest, including the Internet Explorer site for a downloadable copy of the Microsoft NetMeeting application.ActiveX Conferencing, in a Nutshell
We've provided an overview of the Microsoft ActiveX Conferencing platform, user scenarios, and releases.ActiveX Conferencing SDK (Updated: May 28, 1996)
The ActiveX Conferencing SDK provides nine functions for adding conferencing support to your application. This page provides information on these as well as a downloadable copy of the SDK.
| ActiveX Controls |
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ActiveX Controls Overview (Updated: May 28, 1996)
This page explains, in layman's terms, what an ActiveX control is, why you might be interested in using controls, and how you can start writing your own controls. It also includes pointers to ActiveX controls you can use today on your Web pages.ActiveX Controls FAQ (Jun 25, 1996)
Answers to users' questions about using ActiveX controls on Web pages, including downloading, licensing, installation, and availability.ActiveX Controls Framework (Apr 1996)
This document presents information on using the ActiveX Controls Framework to author new ActiveX controls.
| Code Signing |
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Code Signing Overview
This page provides information about the new standard being proposed by Microsoft and many independent software vendors (ISVs), which uses digital signatures to provide shrink-wrap-like accountability for interactive code downloaded from the Internet. This is an open standard, it will be used to sign all forms of executa ble code, and is designed to run on all platforms.Code Signing Proposal (Apr 1996)
Provides a detailed overview of the code signing proposal.Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (Apr 1996)
Provides answers to users' questions about code signing, including policies and requirements, tools and processes, costs and timeframes, and associated technologies.Specs:
Windows Trust Verification Services (Draft, Feb 1996)
Description of the WinVerifyTrust API, which provides the interface to trust verification services.Windows Software Publishing Trust Provider (Draft, Feb 1996)
Description of the verification algorithm (supporting the WinVerifyTrust function).Internet Component Download (Draft, Jan 1996)
Description of the mechanism for downloading and installing code for ActiveX objects. This spec complements the previous two specs by putting code signing in context.
| Security |
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Microsoft Internet Security Framework:
Microsoft Internet Security FrameworkSystem-Level Cryptography (CryptoAPI):
Home page providing information on the Microsoft Internet Security Framework and associated technologies.Microsoft Internet Security Framework press release
Links to the Microsoft's June 3, 1996 press release announcing the Microsoft Internet Security Framework.Microsoft Internet Security Framework white paper (June 4, 1996)
This paper outlines the Microsoft Internet Security Framework--a comprehensive set of security technologies for electronic commerce and online communications that supports Internet security standards.Download PowerPoint Slides on Microsoft Internet Security Framework (June 7, 1996)
The Windows World keynote presentation by Microsoft Vice President Paul Maritz included these informational slides on Microsoft Internet Security Framework.Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Microsoft Internet Security Framework (June 7, 1996)
Answers to users' questions about the Internet Security Framework, CryptoAPI, export controls, client authentication, secure payments, code signing, and other security-related topics.
General Information About Microsoft CryptoAPI (Feb 1996)Secure Channel Communications:
Provides an overview of Microsoft CryptoAPI, information on how to obtain the Cryptographic Service Provider Developer's Kit (CSPDK), and links to additional information.CryptoAPI Application Programming Guide: (Feb 1996)
This guide presents general information about how to incorporate cryptography into applications and offers specific information about the function data types in the Microsoft CryptoAPI. The guide is intended to be used by developers familiar with the Microsoft Windows programming environment.
Microsoft CryptoAPI Application Programmer's Guide in Microsoft Word format (zipped, 89.7K)
CryptoAPI sample code: (Apr 1996)
A sample console application that creates a key container for the default user, along with a signature public/private key pair and a key exchange public/private key pair.
Consists of a pair of sample console applications that can be used to encrypt and decrypt files.
A sample console application that lists the user default CSP's supporting algorithms.
Consists of a pair of sample console applications that can be used to sign and later verify files.
A Windows-based application that can be used to encrypt and sign files.
Secure Channel Communications Overview (Apr 1996)Secure Storage and Transportation of Personal Information:
Overview information on secure channel communications.Private Communication Technology (PCT) Specification
Version 2.0 of the PCT specification. PCT is a security protocol that provides privacy over the Internet.
Overview
General overview on storage and transportation of personal information.Personal Information Exchange (PFX) announcement (May 1996)
Microsoft submitted the Personal Information Exchange (PFX) draft to W3C on May 6, 1996 and reaffirmed its commitment to open Internet review and standards processes.Personal Information Exchange (PFX) Discussion Draft (Updated: June 27, 1996)
Discussion draft version 15 of Personal Information Exchange, the multi-browser, multi-platform, secure exchange interoperability standard for certificates, CRLs, private keys, and personal secrets.
| Server Software |
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Internet Information Server:
The Internet Server API (ISAPI) SpecISAPI:
A link to the latest version of the ISAPI spec, which is now available on the Win32Dev site. This version of the spec has been updated for the Beta 2.0 release of Windows NT 4.0 and includes information on writing Internet server applications and ISA PI filters.Publishing Dynamic Applications
This link to "Publishing Dynamic Applications" in Chapter 8 of the Internet Information Server Installation and Planning Guide explains how to use programming languages such as C or Perl to create applications or scripts that communicate with the user through dynamic Web pages.Publishing Information and Using a Database
This link to "Publishing Information and Using a Database" in Chapter 8 of the Internet Information Server Installation and Planning Guide includes information on creating Web pages with content from a database, updating the database with user input on the Web, and performing SQL commands.A Simple Internet Information Server Application
A link to the Job Forum sample application, which demonstrates how you can use Internet Information Server to allow a user to execute queries against data stored in a Microsoft Access database using a Web browser, and more.Microsoft Search Server
Follow this link to download the Microsoft Search Server, code-named "Tripoli". This product automatically indexes files (including HTML, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel) on your Internet or intranet server.
Building ISAPI Filters and the CVTDOC Sample (Apr 1996)Microsoft dbWeb:
This article details the programming required to successfully build ISAPI filters, a powerful technology for extending the functionality of ISAPI-compliant Web servers such as the Microsoft Internet Information Server.
Introduction to dbWeb (May 17, 1996)Other:
A downloadable version of Microsoft dbWeb, which is a real-time gateway between open database connectivity (ODBC) data sources and Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS).dbWeb in a Nutshell (May 17, 1996)
An overview of Microsoft dbWeb, its components, and benefits.dbWeb Installation and Setup (Updated: May 28, 1996)
System requirements, setup instructions, and a free downloadable copy of Microsoft dbWeb 1.1.Microsoft dbWeb FAQ (Updated: June 17, 1996)
Answers to frequently asked questions about Microsoft dbWeb.
Visual FoxPro WWW Search Page Wizard
Link to the Microsoft Visual FoxPro site to read about the Visual FoxPro WWW Search page wizard, which allows you to create an HTML-based, search-and-return Web page linked to a Visual FoxPro table.
| VBScript |
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Visual Basic Comes to the Net (Updated: Mar 22, 1996)
An introduction to Visual Basic Scripting Edition (VBScript) and its features, presented with simple examples.VBScript: Working Description (Feb 1996)
Details on the Visual Basic family of products, a preliminary look at language features, and licensing terms.Visit the VBScript Site
Link to the VBScript site for more information on this scripting language.
| Additional Technology Papers and Samples |
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DCOM Binary Protocol (May 1996)
The Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) is an application-level protocol for object-oriented remote procedure calls useful for distributed, component-based systems. This page provides introductory information on DCOM and links to the DCOM binar y protocol description.Microsoft-specific Extensions to Windows Sockets (Mar 1996)
This white paper provides a clarification of additions to Microsoft's implementation of Windows Sockets, why they were made, and information on known applications that are affected.Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (Feb 1996)
This document describes the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol, which is a new networking technology that enables users to access corporate networks securely across the Internet.Machine Head Botworks Sample (Mar 1996)
This sample provides a fully functioning, order-entry Web site for a fictitious company called Machine Head Botworks.
| Links to Relevant Topics |
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Microsoft Internet Explorer HTML Reference
Link to the Microsoft Internet Explorer site for a complete listing and description of HTML tags you can use to author Web pages for Internet Explorer 2.0 and 3.0.Internet Explorer Logo Program
Link to details on how to use the Microsoft Internet Explorer logo on your Web site, including logo qualification criteria, usage guidelines, and sign-up form.Ratings on the Web
Link to a discussion of the options for rating and monitoring Internet content, as defined by the Platform for Internet Content Selection (PICS) spec, and how this system is supported by Microsoft Internet Explorer.TrueType Fonts on the Web
Link to the TrueType site for free Windows and Apple Macintosh fonts and utilities you can download for your Web pages.Managing Web Content Using Microsoft Visual SourceSafe
This paper outlines a process that utilizes Visual SourceSafe's content management, sharing, keyword embedding, and shadow directory capabilities to automate and securely track the many changes that occur within a Web site.Samples and Demos:
ActiveX Gallery
Examples of ActiveX controls from Microsoft and other companies that you can include on your Web pages.HTML Layout Control Demos
Link to the Internet Explorer site for sample pages created with the ActiveX Control Pad and the HTML Layout Control.Internet Explorer Showcase Pages, Set I
Robert B. Hess shows off background colors, table cell colors, and drop caps, and explains how he created these special effects. For instant access to color values, be sure to check out Robert's 256-color RGB triplet table.Internet Explorer Showcase Pages, Set II
These pages illustrate expanded support for tables and fonts, plus special support for sound, AVIs, and marquees in Microsoft Internet Explorer 2.0; highlight features of the upcoming Internet Explorer 3.0; and divulge tips, tricks, and secrets that help you achieve special functionality in HTML.Multimedia Gallery
Link to a collection of background images, sounds, banners, horizontal rules, and other images you can download to use on your Web pages.