Concerning the modules on CPAN: I had a look at the links you provided (thanks for that). As often happens, I find that I don't grasp the reference material--I don't get the syntax. I will have to spend more time with sundry Perl books I have here to see if I can learn how such modules work.

Adding to my confusion: the links within the page to which you referred me appear to point to .PM files, but they download as HTML files, not as .PM files. Obviously I'll need to work out how to "use" CPAN as well. (Aside from all this, I'm quite knowledgeable. <g>)