How to automate IE/Firefox to download some files from a https: website with Javascript links?

Question

Some of my users download several pdf files from an internet website regularly. They'd like to automate the process to save a few minutes every day, and most importantly, to minimize errors.

I tried mechanize but failed as mechanize does not process javascripts. Since the download links in the remote site are all triggered by javescript, I am looking for solutions to automate the browser itself. Any recommendations?

• https remote server
• login and search are FORM POST
• file download link are JavaScripts
• on win32
• IE or Firefox

thanks!

Answer 1

You need some kind of extension, such as an ActiveX or java applet. It would be a security venerability if a web site can force the browser to download file without the user's consent.

Answer 2

I picked Watir.