Forum Moderators: mack
Is Perl a program I install on my windows xp machine or is it part of windows already and doesnt need to be installed or is it just a code like html?
If it is a separate program, where do I get it and what is the program called?
To use CGI ready made scripts do I need a special program?
If so, what is a good one? I downloaded a few but cant seem to install/incorporate them into my webpages.
My apologies if these questions have been asked before.
I've read how to web pages, but still cant make sense of these basic questions.
Thanks
You might also want to consider installing Apache Web Server [httpd.apache.org] as well unless you are going to use IIS that comes with WinXP.
To use CGI written in Perl you, again, you need the interpreter. You also need to configure it accoring to the script manual (if there is such).
As Moltar mentioned, you'll need the PERL interpreter program running on your system in order to test your PERL/CGI scripts. And, his suggestion about Apache makes a lot of sense. But, if you're new to all this, setting up Apache, PERL, etc... can be a bit intimidating. Fortunately, there are lots of installation kits available that automate the process. Take a look at [hotscripts.com...] For Windows, I'm partial to FoxServ, but there are several very good options, including PHPTriad and FirePages. I even noticed that there is a Mac OSX install kit, too.
The advantages of these kits is that they give you a complete web server environment right on your own computer, allowing you to test a whole range of stuff (PHP, MySQL, PERL, etc...). That way, you can get your stuff working on your own system and iron out any bugs before pushing it out to your live site. Plus, you can experiment all you want on your own system without worrying about wrecking your site...
I've checked with my server and they do not support CGI scripts, so that leaves out learning that part of it.
I'll still get the kit you mentioned and have a play with it even though I cant use it on my webpage from this server.
Apparently its a security issue with them.
If I cant use/make cgi scripts for say, counters, sliders, guestbooks, etc.....what is my alternative? Is there something else I can incorporate into the htm page I make in Frontpage in the source code?
Also, still confused a tad......if the server doesnt support/allow CGI scripts does that mean learning and using Perl would also be not allowed?....is CGI and Perl the same thing?
Sorry for being so naive about this and thanks for your patience.
