Yeah, i kind of wanted to keep it to perl if I could. Shortly after posting here I did find the utility, as was pointed out in this thread (ncheck).

I was really trying to stay away from C if possible, I haven't done C in about 3 years and I'm a little rusty. Also, C would need to be changed from one *nix to another. I would like something more portable. If you can think anything else I am open.

Also, if anyone does know of a C method of doing something like this, please don't hold back. Like I said, I haven't done C in a little while, but I wouldn't be opposed to it.