ODBC when you are not using Perl really isn't that bad. If you are running Windows then go to Control Panel/ODBC Data Sources and see if you have any Paradox ODBC drivers installed. If not then go to Microsoft's web site and download the Jet engine which should install the Paradox ODBC drivers.

Once the Paradox ODBC drivers are installed then you can point and click to set up your Paradox file as an ODBC data source. This second part should be self-explanatory once you are within the Control Panel/ODBC Data Sources screen.

Then you will need to begin to work with Perl's ODBC modules, which I have never used.

I would say that even if you are a newbie to ODBC you should be able to install the ODBC drivers for Paradox and the Paradox data source. It might take you an afternoon if there are unexpected problems.

Microsoft's Jet engine will probably install properly on your computer without you modifying any defaults. "All of life is a narrow bridge. The important part is not to be afraid." -- R. Nachman