I needed to start a "node.js" shell on the server to handle some of the backend of the client, and I wanted to monitor what was going on with my script while I was developing it. Using the example I posted earlier, I can get the 'node irc-connect.js' program started without any errors now, but I have no way of 'directly' following it's progress, I guess I will have to just rely on my blind-wit to code it properly, I'm begining to think it's not quite as 'transparent' as I hoped... *heh*... I appreciate everything you have helped me with Anonymous, and will use your direction in my further travels here with this project. I just like writing my own code rather than adopting others, I learn more I think... I did manage to write a strictly raw perl smtp/pop3 communication routine thats crude, but pretty fast ! Thanx again. -Gary