What exactly is the Component Object Model in regards to compilers and code? I know the textbook definition, but I'm not sure what it actually does and how it works. Is it a library of classes, or a windows service... or something else entirely?
How exactly does COM interact with OLE, OLE Automation, ActiveX, and COM+? When I open up a .ocx file in notepad, it just gave me garbage, so I'm guessing it's already compiled and works like a dll. If so, what are the differences and how does it communicate between languages?
What I want is to start being able to program activeX controls and dlls for a program that uses them, but it's not enough for me to just know how to code it (although, that would help too). I'd like to understand the big picture.
I know what COM does and what it's for, but not what it physically is on the computer.
Thanks for any help on the issue