Our UNIX servers have the capability to run CGI scripts written in Perl. There are a number of free scripts which you can install automatically using the CGI Scripts page in your web site's Control Panel. Alternatively you can use your own custom or third-party scripts.
Using Custom CGI Scripts
If you have a custom CGI script that you wish to use, simply upload it using FTP to your hosting account. CGI scripts may be placed in any directory within your hosting account, although a default 'cgi-bin' directory is created for convenience. Scripts must have an extension of .cgi or .pl. Ensure that your FTP program uploads the file in ASCII mode and be sure to set the correct file permissions using the chmod command from within your FTP client.
PHP scripts have their own separate help page.
System Information
The following parameters may be required when configuring CGI scripts to run on our servers. If you require any more information regarding the configuration of our servers please contact us.
| Path To Perl | /usr/bin/perl |
| Perl Version | 5.005_03 |
| Path To Sendmail | /usr/sbin/sendmail |
| Path To PGP | /usr/local/bin/pgp |
| PGP Version | 5 |
| Path To Date | /bin/date |
| Path To Your Webspace | See your site's Control Panel Note that the path to your home directory is different when you call a CGI script from the SSL secure server. |
Perl Modules
All modules included in the standard perl distribution, LWP and DBI drivers for mySQL are installed on our servers. Due to the nature of shared hosting it is not normally possible for us to install additional modules on the request of clients.
Debugging CGI Scripts
If you see a '500 Internal Server Error' page when you attempt to run your CGI script, you have an error with your code or a misconfiguration. The information in your site Error Log may help you solve the problem.
Notes on CGI Scripts
Please note that chat/IRC, web proxy and mailing list scripts are not allowed on our network under any circumstances. See our Acceptable Use Policy for more information.
