I have a script that runs for up to 30-40 seconds. To periodically update the user, I have a null form containing only a textfield. Then, when the script has completed a section, I print something like:

<SCRIPT LANGUAGE="Javascript">
document.forms[0].elements[0].value = 'Message to user'
</SCRIPT>
[download]

So, as the script progresses, the snippet above, repeated for each message, re-populates the text box with a message.

Used within a frameset (and with $|++) this is quite effective.

cLive ;-)