Programming question

[uffda]

How does one go about writing a program that'll control/get information from another program. like as an examle, if i wanted to get the text from an AIM window. I've looked up OLE and ActiveX controls but most of the information i've found on the subject is about how to control databases and such. C++, VB.net, java anything you can tell me would be helpful. i've looked at the MQ2 code but theres just so much there and so many variables I can't make much sense of it. if you know any sites that cover it i'd be greatful.