# perl -MCPAN -e shell
[download]

As to mod_perl, install Bundle::Apache will take care of this (along with several other packages). At some point, it'll ask you for the location of your Apache source tree and whether you want it to build httpd for you. Answer appropriately, and you should be good to go.

If things get any worse, I'll have to ask you to stop helping me.

shockme, I don't think that's necessarily correct. Bundle::CPAN doesn't include Perl, but often when you set up CPAN (and set follow=yes) it will install the newer Perl automatically when installing something like that.

It's often better to stick with RPMs too, if you're going to install Perl software: the RPMs often express dependencies on modules, etc., and if you've installed them via CPAN the RPM database won't know about them.

I tried this and it didn't work. Following a hunch, I continued to look for perl 5.6.1 and newer mod_perl rpms. I found some source RPMS and rebuilt perl through RPM mod_perl through RPM and apacha through RPM ran the updates to my system and this works now. I need the RPM format because I will be doing this again to other systems, and it is much easier/quicker to just RPM -U the packages that I made. Thanks for your help.

Sorry about that. It's been a while since I used RedHat (just started up again last week). I keep forgetting about that whole "RPM" thing. Although Debian uses the .deb packages, I guess I've just been spoiled by apt-get and completely forgot about the package management issues.

Glad to hear you've got it working.

If things get any worse, I'll have to ask you to stop helping me.

Have you tried Ximian's (www.ximian.com) Red Carpet for upgrading, yet?  It's wonderful.  It makes upgrading so easy.  Red Carpet will scan their database for updates to everything that's shipped with RedHat, as well as a few other programs like Opera web browser.  If there is an update available, it will figure out what other packages need to be installed on your system and will install all the RPM's together for you.  It's so much better than the old days when you had to screw with the make files and manually configure everything yourself.

You can download and use RedCarpet for free, although you should pay them.  They also offer a full featured e-mail program (Evolution) and a few other packages.  I don't think that you have to download and use their Ximian Desktop package to be able to use RedCarpet, but I may be wrong.  However, it also makes Linux easier.  If you do try to pursue this option, be sure to download the version for RedHat 7.2.

That's Spenser, with an "s" like the detective.