jtc1_huskers,
In regards to your first question, you would want to use the item type 'executable'.
The following may help give a better idea as to what can be done to solve your second question:
"Note that for all other item types, an executable file may be launched at the start of the item by adding a "c" parameter followed by the file name, e.g., (p7,cmyprog.exe) would cause myprog.exe to launch at the start of a 7pt scale response. This is especially useful for programs that should run silently in the background as MediaLab will not attempt to keep the program visually in the foreground unless it is launched via the Executable item type."
Also, be sure to read up on the following:
http://www.empirisoft.com/medialab/h...ueitemtype.htm
I hope this helps!
Regards,
Trevor