Here's a link that explains how to open and close programs just as you had
asked. The big question is the following:
Does the code have to be version independent, meaning does it have to be
accessible by multiple versions of the exe program that is being utilized?
Example, does the code have to be able to open Outlook 8.0 (97), Outlook 9.0
(2000), Outlook 10.0 (2002), and Outlook 11.0 (2003) depending on what
version the user has on the system?
If the above question is "Yes", then you will be required to use Late Bind
coding, else you can get by using Early Bind coding, both of which are
explained at the link below:
http://www.dicks-clicks.com/excel/olBinding.htm
As far as what you want the program to do, the rest of it is dependent on
the program's codes. HINT: Early Binding is easier to code with, but if
version independence is required, then you will have to code via Late
Binding thus can easily create typos in the code more easily given you lose
some of the features of coding that you don't lose with early binding.
Here's another link that explains the advantages of each method more
clearly:
http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/InterDev/EarlyvsLateBinding.htm