MANY thanks chaps!!!

That tip about using exit is a damn good idea. I can see how if you miss it out the flow of execution might run on and then catch up with the other functions and... Messy!

In regards scripting - I actually got started with perl last year as an alternative to the bloody awful batch file language in windows. The ability to properly manipulate strings and extract text/returns from console applications makes all the difference in the world! ESPECIALLY the strings! I know some fellows rave over 'PowerShell' but I could never quite wrap my head around it. Anyway - after the rigours of C/C++ perl is just so... PLEASANT to use!