iPowerWeb doesn't give me shell access

[boytheo]

Hi people,

I want to install a forum system on my website.

I already have phpbb, but I find phpbb ugly and awkward. I saw a nice forum system called "scoop", from http://scoop.kuro5hin.org

Now, this forum system needs installing.

I have an account on iPowerWeb for my forum, but unfortunately... I don't have shell logon access!

I've heard about some kind of perl script that will give me shell access, over a web browser. Where can I get it? And what is it's name?

Otherwise, can anyone give me any kind of hints? Like, could it be possible to install scoop without running the install script? The script seems to want all sorts of odd things done, like having "mod_perl" installed (whatever that is! I thought perl was complex enough) and having mod_perl integrated with apache, and other odd things like that.

Perhaps this script is simply asking too much?

I'm a Mac coder by experience, so all this unixy stuff is really new to me, although I'm catching up!

[dswimboy]

i don't believe there are any perl scripts that will give you shell access and install the script for you.

mod_perl as i understand it is used to integreat the Perl language into the Apache web server so that your code executed faster and more efficiently.

perl scripts should not require an "install script". you should be able to edit the needed variables, which should be commented so you know what to do, upload the script to your website, set the permissions to execute, and use it! if this script is asking for more, there are plenty of wonderful message board scripts out there that do perform in this fashion.

[boytheo]

Hi dswim! thanks for the answers, that makes perfect sense.

Where can I find an over view of nice forum solutions?

Like, a big listing, advantages, disadvantages, what people are saying about them, pictures of them in use, and that kind of thing?

Thanks a lot!

[dswimboy]

http://www.free-scripts.net/cgi/discussionboards.shtml has a list of scripts. I personally look at these scripts, take what i want from each of them, and piece together my own script. not all of the links on the page is good, but there are some good bullietin board. if you don't find any good scripts, you may have to hire someone or learn Perl yourself. Orielly's book "Learning Perl" is a great start.