Thanks for this and the other comments. My inclination is to try to keep this feature as simple as possible, which implies (to me, at least) not loading up the CPAN distribution with non-core modules which are only used to install one file. Particularly if those modules themselves have dependencies. I'll look at how libnet and CPAN.pm do it on Windows and Darwin, then try to borrow what seems most useful.

In any event, I have a couple of other refinements I need to do before I get to this one, so I have time to think about it. I'll let you all know what develops.

Thanks for responding.

Jim Keenan