I made a shortcut to the perl-script and in the properties of the shortcut I choose (under "run")
minimized. The DOS window is still there but at least it is minimized and does not get in the way.
CountZero
A program should be light and agile, its subroutines connected like a string of pearls. The spirit and intent of the program should be retained throughout. There should be neither too little or too much, neither needless loops nor useless variables, neither lack of structure nor overwhelming rigidity." - The Tao of Programming, 4.1 - Geoffrey James