Local file access

[joe_coolish]

Hello,

I'm wondering if this is even possible w/o an activeX controller. What I need to do is have users on our local intranet browse to a page and click a button which causes the server to save and open a PDF on their local machine (saves in the public documents or where ever the applet has access to) that requires a digital signature. Then the user signs and saves the document, goes back to the page, clicks another button and the document is uploaded to the server and saved in a database.

What we are currently doing is providing a link to the PDF that the user has to save to their local computer. Then they have to open it up, sign it, then save it. THEN upload it using basic HTML uploading. Apparently that's just too much for some users (it's becoming the bottle-neck in the system. We're receiving 4 or 5 calls a week about that one part alone which is about 15% of the people that use it) We've tried providing step-by-step directions, pictures, and even a walk-through, but people are still having issues with it. Basically we are just catering to their lack of computer skills

Before I start delving into Java, can it be done? or is activeX the only way?

Thanks

[FON]

There is a way to control your applet security.

Signed applets are what you need.

Here is manual with detail example of how to create one
and all concepts connected to security: policy file, certificate, keytool, policytool...

Chapter 10: Signed Applets


Signed applet may have rights to digitally sign file.
You need to give signed applet info about path of file on server,

That info can be taken from some form and over javascript given to signed applet.

After that signed applet will use GET method to take file from server and sign it.

- -

This should spare a few steps in all process but,
there are too many actions involved here end users cannot expect it all to be one-click action.
If they don't approve your methodology ask them would they rather do it manually with some primitive security measures that would kill essence of what they are trying to protect?
I know that customer is always right but, have they ever used smart cards for e-banking auth? How many steps are there?

Caveman sits by the fire in cave looking at the wall pictures he painted a few days ago.
The other caveman runs in happily carrying peace of papirus and pointing to mural where drawing is.
Painter takes a wild animal bone in panic and hits happy caveman and brakes his skull.
Bull form the painting on the wall sighs.

Find yourself in this story.