Shell/GUI over a APP

[christaylors]

Hello out there.

My question is:

For example how would one write a GUI or SHELL over a app such as ICQ so it could perform or control the actions of what ICQ does?

Meaning
Do you need the source code to do this?
Would this be the only way?
If so, does that mean the program would have to be "open source" ?
If it isn't open source can someone legally make a shell that controls the app?

What alternatives would one have to control the app or it's functions (such as communicating to the ICQ server)?

This could be as simple as puttin a nifty gui over some ugly looking one to give it a face lift without the company who made it having to release it.

I am not a programmer but am trying to gather this information for someone so please bear with my lack of knowing please http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[socalgal]

Hi chris

Not sure if this is something you're looking for, but this little proggy is pretty cool, at least it works on getting rid of the ICQ banner <g> and can change the looks of the program depending what / how you compile. I haven't had the time to play with it much, but it's pretty cool nonetheless.

http://www.rpi.net.au/~ajohnson/resourcehacker/

[christaylors]

Thanks for the information!

It isn't exactly what I needed but I believe you helped us. We are trying to setup a business proposal. ......and at the moment we need to get all the legal information and what is and isn't possible so .. lots of research for us http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[christaylors]

Thanks for the information!

It isn't exactly what I needed but I believe you helped us. We are trying to setup a business proposal. ......and at the moment we need to get all the legal information and what is and isn't possible so .. lots of research for us http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif