Interacting with Internet Explorer

Hey guys.....
i have a small problem here which has two parts...see if you can help.
1. how from my code can i get to know wether an applcation is running? i.e. if i open microsft word(example only) then i would like to get a notification within my code somehow to begin a certain process(ex:calling a function).

2. which dll can i call to interact with the internet explorer? i.e. getting information like url name, information whether it is connected to the internet or the local intranet etc.

i would really appriciate all your help.

Thanx