I know zero about javascript so I was wondering....

• is it possible using javascript to
  
• open a program
  
• make the opened program window selected
  
• wait for a couple of seconds
  
• then enter a key press (e.g. Ctrl+N)
  

if it is could someone write a generic one which I could edit myself.

Generally, Javascript is confined to the browser and all it's softwares used to open specific files as it is a browser language.

This means you probably could control the default Media player via the browser and the default text editor (by viewing source)... I am unsure if you could be specific though as I am only a begginner... and by that I mean I got to functions in the www.w3schools.com tutorial.

I think he means javascript, as in Windows Script Host, not as in a Browser..

Browsers are specificly designed to PREVENT people from running programs through them. If anyone could make a simple javascript that ran a program on your computer, it would allow hackers and other evildoers to kill peoples computers.

If you want to learn windows automation scripting (which I personally recommend), try out AutoIt. You can easily make a simple script that will do exactly what you're asking for.

You know sometimes I should check my info before posting what I meant was is this possiblle using a vbs file. Something like this:

'Use all video formats with MediaPlayer classic

Set WshShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
On Error Resume Next
WshShell.Popup "Do NOT MOVE the mouse an do NOT PRESS any button!",5," - Warning - ",48

WshShell.Run ("%programfiles%\MediaP~1\mplayerc.exe")

WScript.Sleep 2000
WshShell.SendKeys "%v"
WScript.Sleep 2000
WshShell.SendKeys "o"
WScript.Sleep 2000
WshShell.SendKeys "{DOWN}"
WScript.Sleep 2000
WshShell.SendKeys "%v"
WScript.Sleep 2000
WshShell.SendKeys "%b"
WScript.Sleep 1000
WshShell.SendKeys "~"
WScript.Sleep 2000
WshShell.SendKeys "%{F4}"
WScript.Sleep 2000
Wscript.Quit

I have tried editing one to do what I want but it doesn't work. I will give autoit a try but I don't know if it will do what I want (which is have a button in opera which will open my calendar program and startup the new task entry dialogue)

AutoIt rules for that kind of thing. So do listen to neosapience. WScript sucks compared to it.

is it possible using javascript to ..........

Yes, possible - and it works perfectly!

Go here and have a look: using JS for UI actions

After a little bit of figuring out I have got autoit do do what I wanted.

There is no doubt, AutoIt rocks!