Do not, do not, do not be ashamed to ask questions like this. That's how you learn. When you first start out, even knowing where to look for the answers can be daunting.

I have asked some pretty basic questions here and the monks have been very quick to respond with good advice and no flames. I've asked questions in other forums and I have often received replies like "Why don't you try the RTFM protocol?" (RTFM is 'read the f*&^#@g manual').

Even when someone posts something which is critical of the original poster, it's usually fairly constructive and to the point. I'm new to Perl Monks, but I'm sold.