Getting Scripts To Work

The servers have the capability to run CGI scripts based on Perl, Unix SH, KSH, CSH, and C/C++ languages. Perl is a our language of choice as it is a world standard and is well suited to CGI. In addition, Perl code does not require manual compilations whereas C/C++ code must be compiled on our web servers by us prior to use. (The is an additional fee to do this)

If you have a custom CGI script that you need to use, simply upload it to your personal "cgibin" in the directory you have decided to use. Here are some helpful tips to follow when installing Perl scripts:

• You can use any directory except cgi-bin for you own scripts. However, we recommend you create one special directory for this purpose.

• Upload in ASCII transfer mode. If you use BINARY mode, the script will not operate.

• The first line of each script must read:   #! /usr/local/bin/perl

  • One Exception is is you are using PerlShop, it should read: #! /usr/local/bin/perl5.003

• Reference the script using the specified directory reference

• Use .cgi extensions for all scripts

If a script calls another file within your account, but the script does NOT require a URL, you need to use the system path.

Substitute the path to the file beginning with your domain name. Your domain name is the directory name of your account.

Image Maps

Image maps allow the user to click on predefined sections of a graphic picture on your page and have the server respond as if they clicked on a text hyperlink. The server uses standard NCSA Format image map capabilities. A complete tutorial is available including a sample image map and helpful tools.

Image map URL: http://yourdomain.com/yourmap.map (NCSA Format)

Secure Transactions

All our accounts support SSL (Secure socket layer) secure transactions through us or a contract with a third party. SSL requires that the secure host have a "certificate" signed by a company called Verisign. This allows the visitor to use secure, encrypted communication between browser and web site. If you have a virtual domain, you can obtain you own certificate.

First thing you will need to know is "What Server Am I On?", at the Telnet prompt you will see something like the following:

so the URL would be one of the following depending on what server you are on. Before you try this contact us and see which physical server access point you are actually connected through.