What you basically need to get started is a windows-compatible installation of Perl, and webserver software for your own machine (I assume you're learning Perl for use with CGI?).
There's apparently quite a few binary packages containing both Perl and Apache server available for windows, which should provide everything you need to get started - one example is at www.indigostar.com/indigoperl.htm
I don't use Perl on windows myself, so from here on I'll let others with more experience in that area chime in ;)
Wish book you have not all are good for beginners.
i know there are also pc programs that can run perl scripts so you dont need them to install on server it self . this is handy for testing ...
go toscript site like hotscripts.com click tap perl then software not scripts im sure few are listed there ...
these tools can be used towrite perl and test script.
myself i ama macintosh user . so i must install it on server to test
a good book for beginners in learning perl is
cgi101 it learns you all basic thecnics and learns youtocreate few simple scrpts based on samples ect ...
once you get the basics to know you definalbly must buy the book oreilly perl cook book or perl in a nuts shell
What it does is simply to associate the file type extension "*.pl" to the program, so when you have created a program file, and named it "something.pl" you just have to doubleclick it to run. It runs in a window just like the dos. Of course you don't need to create files, you can also enter commands at the prompt.
That was the Perl part. You probably also will need web server software at some point. When you feel that you have reached this point, there are tons of them around. I can only recommend the Apache [apache.org] web server, as you will be able to use some of your perl knowledge on that platform. Apache supports windows as well.
I almost forgot: Both Apache and ActivePerl can be downloaded for free.
/claus
- btw. welcome to WebmasterWorld :)
