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I have been asked to create a program that runs on Windows as a process and notifies users when local software patches are available. I would like to use Perl for a number of reasons:

Because I love using Perl. (When your favorite tool is a hammer, all problems tend to look like nails.)
I already have a plan that can work via Perl.
I've successfully completed several projects lately using modules Net::Telnet and Net::Ftp along similar lines.
This needs to be done quickly, like within the next week with only about 8 hours of concentrated programming available, if I'm lucky. This usually means that if I get something that works reasonably well, I may get additional time to prettify it.
The only other Windows language I'm somewhat proficient in is Visual Basic. This is only from an intense MS Access background, I've never really used standalone VB to do anything. This would not be possible in the limited time available.

Constraints:

It must run as a process in the background (no permanent open command windows) on the enduser's computer with minimal conflicts.
It will run on/serve multiple platforms currently defined as NT351_W, NT40_w, Win2000_w or Win95-98-ME.
It shouldn't hog too many resources, particularly memory.
Update information is stored on a Solaris 8.0 Sun box.
Cannot assume that Perl/whatever is installed on enduser boxes, so must use a standalone executable.

Plan:

Set up an Unix account running a restricted shell that takes the platform string, returns the patch timestamp/file size and logs the user off.
Use Win32::Process in combination with TK to provide minimal interaction.
First time the application runs determine the OS in use (by Perl if possible, but combo box type selection OK) and save in a config file.
Use Net::Telnet to log onto Unix account and capture the patch parameters. Maybe there are other modules to use but I need to keep things simple given the time constraint.
Notify the enduser if an update is available, Sleep for several hours, rinse/repeat.

Concerns:

I've heard unflattering things about Perl "Compilers" perlcc and Perl2exe. I've never been able to get perlcc to do anything but Perl2Exe seems to work (although I'll have to investigate the -small, -tiny and -gui options).
If I use the -gui to create a no-console executable maybe I can bypass the use of Win32::Process. Something I'll test and update RE.
I'm sure that there will probably be some gotchas along the way. This is where I could use some feedback.

I realize that this is sketchy at best and I'm probably leaving some things out. For small projects I usually just form a mental plan and attack, which has worked fine for me in the past. I suppose hanging around the Monastery is having a positive effect on me. Putting things into "type" has helped me to define tasks more clearly and forces me to think things through (besides I hate making a fool of myself in front of such a learned audience).

Please, any feedback is welcomed, no need for code (unless it illustrates a gotcha of course). Are there alternatives I'm overlooking that might simplify the task without violating the constraints?

"All are lunatics, but he who can analyze his delusion is called a philosopher." -- Ambrose Bierce

In reply to Small Project Definition by jlongino

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