I think that I need to fork when using an exec so my perl process doesn't die. Doesn't an exec replace the current process? My perl module must run 24/7 to monitor the remote server program that also must run 24/7 and if the server program hangs, dies, or is unable to access it's database...my perl module must restart it in the background. That's the reason I was using the system call in the first place. Anyway, I am going to play around and see fi I can restruct it using a fork and exec. Thanks.