Courtney, I too am new to perl & am trying to us a binary file.
If you don't mind, I'd like to message you my email address so we can compare notes. I just now created a user name of Aim9b.
I used my work email so I won't have my password until tomorrow. You can read my anonymous post by searching for bits on or about 5/25. These folks have been very helpful.
Thank you. Aim9b.