Using python to open up windows programs?

[shing]

1. How would you make python open up windows programs?

2. How would you make python get data from a website, let's say, when google updates their main index page.

[bartonc]

1. How would you make python open up windows programs?

2. How would you make python get data from a website, let's say, when google updates their main index page.

1. os.startfile("f ilename.xls") is the easiest way to start (say) excel
2. Some have had success with the CPAMIE module. Others use PythonWin COM.Client