CGI  Scripts

What file permissions do I need for my CGI script?

CGIs must be set with executable file permissions or else requests for the script from the web server will result in an Internal Server error. Scripts that need to be executable should have their permission set with chmod 755.  This sets the file's permissions so that the file's owner may read, write, and execute the file, and anyone else can only read and execute it.

How  do I call a CGI Script Securely

Using  your local CGI BIN, your path would look like this:
https://secureserver.com/your_domain/cgi-bin/filename.pl (shared certificate)
https://your_domain.com/cgi-bin/filename.pl (self signed or own certificate)

The secure_sever.com represents the server your domain is hosted on. If you would like to use formmail.pl securely, you first need to:

1. Save a copy of this script on your local hard drive.
2. Upload the formmail.pl file into your local /cgi-bin directory.
3. Then, instead of calling the universal /cgi-sys directory, you would call  your own /cgi-bin directory. It will look something like this:
   https://secure_sever.com/your_domain/cgi-bin/formmail.pl

NOTE: You do NOT include the extension of your domain
(i.e. '.com', '.net',  '.org').

What is your server path to PERL and Sendmail?

Our server paths to PERL are:
!/usr/local/bin/perl - On-line Standard, Plus & Pro hosting plans
!/usr/bin/perl - On-line 20, 30 & 50 hosting plans

Windows 2000 accounts can run scripts without the need to call this path

The path to the Sendmail program is: /usr/lib/sendmail

Windows 2000 accounts do not use sendmail and require the use of ASP components such as ASPMail or ASPEmail.

How  do I set permissions inside my CGI BIN?

If the browser returns Internal Server Error every time you submit your form, you did not have the right permission set for your script. Do the following to set the permission:

1. Telnet/FTP into your /cgi-bin directory
2. Issue the following command: chmod 755 filename.pl
   This will give universal execute permissions for that file.

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