Deib, I also am a newbie (didn't even have your programming background) and use activeperl. I can't answer all your questions but here are some tips I've picked up.

To add new modules in ActivePerl open a command box and type ppm at the prompt. 'help' will give you the options available.  ppm install package::name works on my system.

On Perlmonks please avail yourself of the tutorials available (they really are excellent). Become familiar with the PERL debugger.

ALWAYS use strict; use warnings; (and if necessary) use diagnostics;

And welcome.

Plotinus