I don't use system() when it's possible not to.
I've been using open(FH,"some_system_command any options |")
Then I just: $variable = <FH>.
I was told that using system() is costly because it forks another process and
isn't preferred with CGI. I'm a newbie and haven't done any CGI yet.
That's what I'm getting ready to do now.
Also there are some functions like chmod() and unlink() to name two
that do what some of the unix system commands do.
That's the least costly option.