IO::Socket::INET is built upon the IO::Socket interface and inherits all the methods defined by IO::Socket.

IO::Socket has the method timeout(value) Set or get the timeout value associated with this socket.

If called without any arguments then the current setting is returned. If called with an argument the current setting is changed and the previous value returned.

So I sort of assumed you can use this. Let’s not forget I am just a novice ;-) Where are the experienced monks when you really need them?

BTW I am reading awful things about Timeout: See http://www.webmasterworld.com and http://www.dbforums.com

Hope this helps