Thanks folks.

OK...UFDAH moment re: PREdeclared viable...what was I not thinking!

I get that the difference would be with 4count verses forcount. Perl accepts the 4 as a number in the context and counts from there.

Semi-UFDAH moment with $0 and ps. Now I get it. I'll try it when I get home from work to see if my OS will support the assignment of a new name from within the program and how that is picked up with HTOP.

I'll also try the error approach. I like learning from the system.

Your generosity and patience much appreciated!