Getting the GD modules to run properly requires you keep close track of the versions of all the components. That said, about the only general rule is get the very latest versions of everything, that means perl 5.8, the latest version of the c libs from www.boutell.com, and the latest cpan modules. The current ones work fine, for me. As for getting them to run on Perl5.6, your best bet is to use the c -libs available during the heyday of 5.6 and the corresponding GD module level from that time. When I upgraded from Perl 5.6 to 5.8, the GD modules were not working for me, but after getting the latest boutell c-libs and Cpan modules, it started to work. I'm sorry I don't have (handy) the version numbers that worked for me under 5.6. Maybe someone else who currently has it setup can tell you. You need a "compatible pair" of the GD-c-libs and perl modules. It's annoying, but gratifying when you find the right combination, and get all the GD features to work under Perl.