Java applets are cut down Java programs designed to run in browsers. They are written in the Java language (like full blown Java applications ) and dont actually use JavaScript - the 'much simplier' built in browser scripting language - instead applets are compiled and are therefore more like Active-X controls. Unilke Active-X controls, Java applets have limited access to your PC operating system and are therefore much safer. They are also platform/browser independent so unlike Active-X they are not tied to Internet Explorer.