Active Desktop

Active Desktop is the name given to the complete integration of the operating system shell with Internet Explorer 4.0. This integration allows you to customize the desktop with elements from any Web page. Essentially, the Web page replaces your wallpaper and gives you a constant view of the Internet. (See Figure 3-1.)

Active Desktop is controlled through the Display Properties dialog box, which is accessed by clicking the desktop with the right mouse button and choosing Properties. This is the same action you would take to alter the desktop under the normal Microsoft Windows shell. When the dialog box appears, however, you'll notice that a Web tab has been added. (See Figure 3-2 on the following page.)

The Web tab provides new ways of customizing the desktop. First, you can add new individual Web sites to your desktop. These sites can contain any component that can be rendered in IE 4.0, including ActiveX controls, Java applets, and HTML pages. To add a new site, simply click the New button and enter the site's URL in the New Active Desktop Item dialog box. Each new site you add appears on the desktop as a scrolling frame. Second, you can specify a local HTML page to use as your desktop. This is a great feature for network administrators who want to provide hyperlink access to network facilities through corporate intranets. A complete intranet site directory can be established as a local HTML page that gives users single-click access to forms, information requests, databases, and schedules. Finally, if you don't like any of the displays, you can return to the standard desktop by simply checking Disable All Web-Related Content In My Desktop in the Display Properties dialog box.

Figure 3-1. Active Desktop.

Figure 3-2. The Display Properties dialog box.