[RESOLVED] Code running in the background

[Shamas21]

Hi Guys

Is it possible to have code running in the background and still be able to use other parts of the program (i.e. firing other events).

For example I have a instant messaging chat in my program and when the user has a new message then the display flashes from green to red as seen below

Private Sub Button1_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click

        Me.dockMessages.PredefinedTabColor = DevComponents.DotNetBar.eTabItemColor.Red
        System.Threading.Thread.Sleep(500)
        Me.dockMessages.PredefinedTabColor = DevComponents.DotNetBar.eTabItemColor.Green
        System.Threading.Thread.Sleep(500)
        Me.dockMessages.PredefinedTabColor = DevComponents.DotNetBar.eTabItemColor.Red
        System.Threading.Thread.Sleep(500)
        Me.dockMessages.PredefinedTabColor = DevComponents.DotNetBar.eTabItemColor.Green
        System.Threading.Thread.Sleep(500)
        Me.dockMessages.PredefinedTabColor = DevComponents.DotNetBar.eTabItemColor.Red
        System.Threading.Thread.Sleep(500)
        Me.dockMessages.PredefinedTabColor = DevComponents.DotNetBar.eTabItemColor.Green
        System.Threading.Thread.Sleep(500)
        Me.dockMessages.PredefinedTabColor = DevComponents.DotNetBar.eTabItemColor.Red
        System.Threading.Thread.Sleep(500)
        Me.dockMessages.PredefinedTabColor = DevComponents.DotNetBar.eTabItemColor.Green
        System.Threading.Thread.Sleep(500)
        Me.dockMessages.PredefinedTabColor = DevComponents.DotNetBar.eTabItemColor.Red

End Sub

But I still want to be able to continue using the other functions in my program despite having this code running in the background (which highlights to the user that he has a new instant message by changing the display background colour)

How can I overcome this?

Thanks