Let me explain...

Based on what I can figure out, LIRC takes in signals from an IR receiver and then broadcasts the resulting button association over a specific port. It doesn't actually execute any programs or anything.

What I'm looking for is a program/scripting language that listens in on that port. I want to be able to specify an action for a given button or series of buttons. Let's say I just booted my computer and have no programs running. Now I want to play some music in Amarok. If I were to put play on my remote control I want the program I'm looking for to check to see if Amarok is on, if it isn't on turn it on, and then press play. There is a program for Windows on Sourceforge that can do this but I cannot find it on a quick search.

What program/scripting language would you recommend?

Try irexec. It's documented on the lirc web site.

Brilliant, reading the documentation....

Guess I missed that one when I did go through the site. Thanks.

Now my question becomes, do you know of any good resources to learn how to script commands to check for instances of programs and then execute a predetermined key or mouse combination? I have a feeling with my limited knowledge of the terminology I won't be able to google an answer.