Home
>
Web Design
>
Introduction To CGI Scripts

Introduction To CGI Scripts

Using CGI scripts to add automation to your web site may seem a little daunting, but once you have incorporated a few into your web site, they become easier.

The best way to start is to add a simpler script. A great site for cgi scripts is cgi-resources.com. You can find mostly free and some fee scripts for mail forms, classified ads, web site management, homepage communities, banner rotation, time and date, polls, password protection, MLM, mailing lists, shopping carts, running your own affiliate program, your own site search engine, and hundreds more.

Some of these scripts are fee based, but you can save a lot of money using a lesser costing script and setting it up yourself than buying expensive software and having some company set it for you. Some of the more expensive scripts may have more features than you need, and you can always upgrade to a Pro version if you need it.

The main reason the average web site owner does not use these scripts is that for the most part they think that they need a degree in computer sciences to set them up. No so! Anyone can use these, and once you have set up a CGI script you will be using them all the time on your site. You will need access to your own server, and even some free service providers are allowing users to upload CGI scripts or provide them.

The best thing to do with scripts is to play with them. Download some scripts you may be interested in, put them on your server and get them set up. Once you have done a few, you can set up almost any CGI script available.

The easiest way scripts can be set up is when they include a "config" or "setup" file. Once the files are uploaded to your server you would access the setup or config file, input some information and the script basically sets itself up.

Another set up method is when the script includes a "variable" file. This file normally has all of the information needed to run the script.

The most common type of scripts may have one or a number of files that need to be configed to work.

Normally the script comes with a "readme" or "setup" file that is in text ot HTML. Open this up and follow the directions. Some script writers have excellent instructions while others assume that the person setting up the script knows more than they do. If you are completely puzzled, try to find another script that will do the same job.

If you choose to use cgi scripts, you will begin to see how much easier your site maintenance becomes and how much more interactive your web site becomes.

In the next article find out how to config a basic cgi script for use on your site.

Read more articles by this author, about this and other subjects, here.

About The Author

Bob Power has been an Internet entrepreneur for longer than he would like to remember. He is currently on a voyage of learning, thanks to his readers, who have asked him to answer questions about topics they want more information on. You can see some of the surprising, and at times exciting results, and variety of topics and paths this has taken him on, or to contact Bob Power please click here.

These articles may be reproduced exactly as shown above. No revisions or changes are permitted.

efficient cleaning crew Northbrook ..

In The News:

Chinese hackers used Anthropic's Claude AI to launch autonomous cyberattacks on 30 organizations worldwide, marking a major shift in cybersecurity threats.

Apple's new Sleep Score feature gives you a rating for your nightly rest quality. Learn how to set it up on your Apple Watch and iPhone today.

Essential phone settings to enable before losing your device, including Find My network, location services and security features for iPhone and Android.

The Fox News AI Newsletter gives readers the latest AI technology advancements, covering the challenges and opportunities AI presents.

Cybersecurity research shows weak passwords remain a major threat, with simple patterns and number sequences putting millions of accounts at risk.

New Android malware BankBot YNRK silences phones, steals banking data and drains crypto wallets automatically. Learn how this advanced threat works.

FDA approves first human trial for Paradromics' brain-computer interface that could restore speech for paralyzed patients through neural technology.

New phishing platform QRR targets Microsoft 365 users across 1,000 domains in 90 countries. Learn how to spot fake login pages and protect your accounts.

OpenTable now uses AI to track your dining habits and share insights with restaurants. Learn what data they collect and how to protect your privacy.

Google's discontinued Nest thermostats still secretly upload home data to company servers despite losing smart features, raising serious privacy concerns.

New Android malware NGate steals NFC payment codes in real-time, allowing criminals to withdraw cash from ATMs without your card. Learn protection tips.

DoorDash confirms data breach exposing customer names, emails, addresses after social engineering attack. Learn how to protect yourself from scams.

Concerned about Google's AI scanning your Gmail? Learn how to disable Gemini features that access your emails, Drive files and Chat messages for privacy.

Google warns Android users about dangerous fake VPN apps hiding malware that steals passwords, banking details and personal data from phones and tablets.

Apple's digital passport feature lets iPhone users breeze through TSA checkpoints this holiday season using Digital ID technology at 250+ airports.

A new phishing scam targets family photos with fake "Cloud Storage Full" alerts. Criminals steal credit card information through fake sites. Learn protection tips.

South Korean scientists create ultra-thin fabric muscles that turn clothes into robotic assistants, lifting 33 pounds while weighing under half an ounce.

Archer Aviation has acquired Hawthorne Airport for $126M to launch an LA air taxi network ahead of the 2028 Olympics, featuring AI-powered eVTOL operations and next-gen aviation tech.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Fake AI apps disguised as "ChatGPT" and "DALL·E" are flooding app stores with dangerous malware that steals data and monitors users without detection.

Fake buyers demand specific vehicle reports from unknown sites to steal credit card information from car sellers, but warning signs can help identify these scams before paying.

Android users can now manage apps across multiple devices more easily with Google Play Store's updated remote uninstall button in the latest update.

NASA's Perseverance rover discovers shiny metallic rock on Mars that could be a meteorite from an ancient asteroid, containing high levels of iron and nickel.

Holiday scams spike during Black Friday and Cyber Monday as criminals exploit your leaked personal data. Learn how to protect yourself from fake stores and phishing.

Commerce Department proposes TP-Link router ban over Chinese security risks. Learn how this potential prohibition could affect your home network and devices.

Introduction To CGI Scripts

Web Design