Need Basics: Detecting Keyboard/Mouse Actions

Hi,

I would like to know how to detect a keyboard or mouseclick action outside of a C++ program with the C++ program. You don't have to be everso detailed in your response (if you respond). Simply give me a function, set of functions, code block or anything at all. I am sure I will figure out how it works and if not I can reference it on the web.

Thanks a lot,
Hatchet

P.S. I'm making a C++ program on Windows 2000

Well to tell you which function, you need to say which OS / Compiler / Program type (GUI, console etc) you're trying to write.

Thanks, I'll include that.