newbie question: java automation?

[wantamad]

hi guys!

i just have a small question. im just starting to discover the fun in programming(using programming to automate your daily tasks) i still am very new to programming in java but have a basic knowledge. what i want to do is this; i want to start windows media player to record this internet radio station at a certain time like 5am and run creative media source at the same time to record the radio station from windows media player - then make it stop at 7am and shut down the pc. i guess my question is, how do you call the record function/module of creative media source and let it know that the record source is windows media player? i can issue a call command to start them but i dont know how to issue a command to make them play or record. any input would be appreciated. thanks guys!

p.s. what do you call the process that i wanted to happen? (making a call to a certain application like creative media source and making it do one of its functions, like to start recording) any recomended materials on that topic? thanks again!