Thanks for all you help first of all I appreicate it. the thing is, I have no idea how to start like I don't know where to look...is this a socket client/server communication type of thing or what? like....if u see what I mean...yes it is just a simple opening a file on unix system problem...if my program/script is on the unix system then it's easy, evena beginner knows...but the problem is I have to access that file OUTSIDE of the system. like...I have no idea perl could do taht before and I had been searching for days I don;'t know where to look. If someone could give me some ideas or some hints as to wehre to look for answer that would be great. I had been looking at differnet functions, POSIX and stuff....no idea....I am really lost.