confusing and big question.

[phredator]

Hi!
I really dont know where to start so i just give it a go.

This is the ultimate solution for me:
From a webpage (ASP.NET C#) send a command to another desktop program (or similar) on the server, that program opens a few other desktop programs (like outlook, thunderbird and so) take a screenshot of it then close it again. the last thing it should do is send back the snapshots to my asp.net webapplikation.

I realise that this is like answering "how do i build a car". But my question isnt how to do this step by step.

I really need to know if its possible (it is there is similar solutions for sale) and i want to get input from you, how should you break this down ?
What do you see is the really tricky thing ?
Can it be done by just using .net technology ?

Hope you get what im after, its not a whole solutuion its more like a discussion in this subject, EVERY little tip is useble for me.

Regards
Fredrik

(sorry for my bad english, hola at me if you dont understand)

[Plater]

Well your aspnet application can (with correct permisions) open up programs on the server computer it is running on.
(There might be some issues about being a 'real' user and having a desktop space, when it comes to taking screenshots)
I *think* there is a .NET way to take a whole screenshot, but it might be a DLLImport. (I fiddled with it years ago and can't remember)
Once you have the screenshot (in memory? as a file?) you should be able to send it back to the client browser that requested it.

Some people might suggest that this a good match for using a "web service". I don't know much about using them though.

[Frinavale]

I would consider taking the screen shots before releasing the project and using the images as resources for your web application instead of dynamically creating these images all the time. This would keep your project simple.

-Frinny

[phredator]

Hi again!

if we move the focus from the web then.
Is it possible to write say a windows service or similar that i looking for new mails opens it in eg outlook takes a screenshot, saves it somewhere on the server and shuts down outlook again.

This is nothing that should happen on tha client machine tha client should just send an email to [e-mail] and my windows service takes care of the rest.

Ive did a really fast test with some freeware snapshotprograms and a *.bat-file but that didnt do it really.

Suggestions ?

Regards
Fredrik