Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable mediums for recognizing or identifying the location of characters within a computer image or display are provided. These methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable mediums make use of dynamic link libraries ("DLLs") and application program interfaces ("APIs") to locate, indicate the state of, and return the coordinates of specified characters or text within an image or display. The returned state and coordinates of the characters may also be used in conjunction with automated testing programs to assist the programs in delivering precise instructions to computer programs being tested. Further, the methods and computer-readable mediums make use of one or more operating system independent video and input/output redirection devices that allow remote control of a computer system from any network-connected location. By using such redirection devices in conjunction with an automated testing program utilizing character coordinates, software components may be precisely and efficiently tested from virtually anywhere in the world.
