Actually, I am a network engineer for a very large isp; my boss charged me with converting config files from routers out on our network, to a flat file, and he is not the patient type. Not to kiss up, but I found "Learning Perl" very informative and challenging, as I have no prior programming experience. However, I should add to future posts, that I am perfectly willing (preferable?) to be pointed in the right direction vs. handed the answers. At any rate, thanks a bunch!