Creating HTML based CD content with .HTA files

A relatively unheard of file extension (not to be confused with .htaccess), .HTA files are HTML Applications. They allow you to run HTML without all the security features you'll find in your browser, such as pop-up blockers and activex popups.

Although they cannot be used online, they are suited to local content, such as help CDs and application documentation.

You can find more information about HTA files on MSDN: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms536496(VS.85).aspx

One of the most useful features, apart from their ability to run VBScript and similar, is that you can completely customise the layout of the window, much like a popup window can be stripped of its toolbars. It allows you to create a professional project, that behaves like a software application, without much fuss at all. And if your only content is an iframe, you can host your entire site within the .hta without having to rewrite any of it.

While this technology isn't for everyone, it's a great thing to be aware of, next time you want to include some documentation with your software or even a CD of help content. You could even use it as a menu for your CD, all without writing a scrap of code (HTML excluded, of course).