How to Add Perl Support in NetServe Web Server?

NetServe Web Server supports many different scripting languages through the use of the Common Gateway Interface (CGI), such as ASP, Perl and PHP.

1. Download the Perl Interpreter, ActivePerl from ActiveState
http://www.activestate.com/Products/ActivePerl

2. Once downloaded run the installation package and follow its on screen prompts.

3. You will now need to add some NetServe settings.

Setting the File Extensions

Right click on the NetServe icon in the system tray (bottom right of screen) and select "Server Options" from the menu.

Now click on the CGI Interpreters button, using the CGI Interpreters window, enter "pl cgi" as the file extensions, this will allow ActivePerl to interpret files with extensions of both pl and cgi.

Now enter the complete CGI Interpreter path, this will be the path where you installed ActivePerl, which by default would have been "C:Perlbinperl.exe" clicking add will add this Interpreter into the CGI Interpreters List, clicking OK will confirm the changes.

If you plan on using the ActivePerl Interpreter straight away, ensure that the "Use CGI Interpreters" check box is ticked before clicking OK on this window.

To allow scripts to be run you must set the security level of the folder containing your Perl Scripts.

In The Folder Security screen, add an alias (for example /CGI-BIN) with a Realm description of your choice (The longer the more secure).

Ensure the "Allow Scripts" check box is ticked, and any other permissions you want to apply to this folder (and sub folders) are ticked, then click Add and OK.

NetServe is a super compact Web Server and File Sharing application for Windows NT, 95, 98, 2000, and XP. It's HTTP Web Server can serve all types of files including html, gif and jpeg, actually any files placed in your NetServe directory can be served.

New key features include Server-Side-Include (SSI) support and CGI/1.1 support giving you the choice of your prefered scripting language, including but not limited to; Perl, ASP and PHP, to create your dynamic content.