If you're running ActiveState, it comes with an alternate executable wperl.exe that is a true Win32 app. and so doesn't display the console window. This is great for applications like yours, as well as writing Tk or Win32::GUI apps in Perl. :-) I usually set up an association with wperl.exe for any files with the extension .plw.

If you're not using ActiveState, or don't have a wperl.exe for some reason, you can make your own or you can try the work-around.

bbfu
Seasons don't fear The Reaper.
Nor do the wind, the sun, and the rain.
We can be like they are.

how does being a win32 app change what perl can do? can i still use file tests like -e and -M? and can i still use localtime?

The only thing it changes is how Windows treats the application when it starts; ie. whether or not Windows creates a console window for the application when it's first started. Everything else should work exactly the same.

bbfu
Seasons don't fear The Reaper.
Nor do the wind, the sun, and the rain.
We can be like they are.

/\/\averick