Anyway to open/use programs from the net.

If you can get it on the computer, this program is loads of fun... It's an almost complete user interface to to the Windows ShellExecuteEx API.
Fill in the name of the file to execute under filename, an action verb from the registry for verb (depending on the target type, open, edit, print, explore may work), specify any parameters, and if needed a working directory. You can even choose how the main window is displayed upon execution (assuming a standards conforming app). My favorite feature is the "Class or GUID" option. Rename an executable from .exe to .txt . Put the name of the file in filename, then check the Class or GUID box and write in "exefile" next to it, then hit enter. You can make Windows run a file as if it is any type you choose. The option is also given of using the legacy ShellExecute API instead of ShellExecuteEx by pressing the appropriate button; note, however, that some features will not be used.

Incidentally, I didn't write this program with bypassing security measures in mind; my original purpose was to try to figure out how to use ShellExecuteEx to tell Windows to syncronise my Briefcase.