running apps from local pages

If I have a cd with html/javascript files on it, can I make a URL on one of these local pages run a local app? Such as installing an app like realplayer or quicktime, or even running these players with a clip located on the cd playing?

If javascript cannot do this are there any other ways I can?

Thanks.

If the local computer was the server with the cd init

You could try

http://www.php.net/manual/en/function.exec.php


<?
`d:cdscript`;
?>

Type of thing.

Steve

Wouldn't this require an apache installation running PHP? Since php is all server side. This is a cd for distribution to normal users to view information. Kind of a demo cd or something.

Yes, this would require apachee and php on the user. I understand what yo uare looking for now.

And I think the answer is no. Your browser can't talk to the CD-ROM.

Steve

yeah I'm thinking its probably not possible. Holding one more vain hope - that the realplayer plugin contains some code for launching the app rather than embedding it.

Thanks

If you're targeting windows machines then the answer is yes, go to the MS web site and look up HTML Applications (basically *.HTA pages) which will give you the capability you desire (only from a local web page though, this doesn't work for a page on the internet or an intranet).

HTA is really your answer. Basically your HTA page will make VBScript calls to execute the programs. HTA will only run under IE and needs to be local (ie not a remote web page).