title: How to read from Serial port in a webpage
body: <p>I want to design a webform that user should fill some fields. The value of one field should be read from Serial port (COM1) of client computer which a special hardware is connected to it and the user presses the <code>Send to PC</code> key of the hardware when filling the form. </p>
  
  <p>How i can listen to <code>COM1</code> port in my webpage and get the value of COM1 and place it in the web form automatically?</p>
  
  <p>I heard that ActiveX controls can do this but it is compatible only with IE (right?). The other option is Java applets.</p>
  
  <p>I want a simple solution which be compatible with (at least) IE/Firefox/Opera.</p>
  
  <p>I the server-side i can have ASP or PHP but i am appreciate if you give a solution for each.</p>
  
  <p><strong>UPDATE:</strong></p>
  
  <p>We can tell clients to change their security settings to accept our ActiveX/applet.</p>
  
  <p>It is also possible for us to tell clients to install a custom program which runs as a service and reads from Serial port.</p>
  
  <p>The problem is the read data should be entered to the webform automatically and immediately.</p>
  
  <p>The java applet is a good idea, but the client have to install JRE which is large in size.</p>
  
  <p>Is there any other option?</p>