UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Hello there

I need to know how to get a guest book up and running on my server. My ISP does allow CGI scripts to be run, and the one I have working at the moment (an email form)
runs OK as a pop-up window on my home page.

http://wwww.kitachi.info

I have uploaded two files:

1) gbook.html which has been ftp'd onto the main directory of my server, in ASCII mode
with the permissions set to 644 (read/write for all).

I think the correct unix server path for ths file is: /kitachi.info/gbook.html (though this might be incorrect and this could be the main problem)

2) bnbbook.cgi gbook.html which has been ftp'd onto a folder labled 'guestbook' which is in a folder labled cgi-bin in the main directory of my server. This has also been uploaded in ASCII mode but with the permissions set to 775 (Owner can read/write/execute, and group and others can read and execute).

I think the correct unix server path for ths file is:

/kitachi.info/cgi-bin/guestbook/bnbbook.cgi

This is the path I've entered to the script attached to the form in this file.
You can see what I'm trying to do if you goto:

http://www.kitachi.info/gbook.html

Then try and submit the form.

Basically , I think that when the form is submitted from the html to the cgi script, the cgi needs to look back through the folder directory and pinpopint the gbook.html file (using the unix path).

Trouble is that the cgi script can't find the gbook.html file for some reason. I know this because when I try and submit anything from the form in my browser, I get this message:


'Unable to locate your guestbook file
Please check that /kitachi.info/gbook.html is the correct path and name '

The message is part of the cgi Script, so I know somthing is working ok !!

I know I have entered the correct mail handler script, because I got this from my ISP

http://www.nicnames.co.uk

I've asked the tech support at my server about setting up this guestbnook but they aren't much help.

I've literally spent days on this and it's starting to drive me insane !!!

I downloaded the actual guestboook files and info from here:
http://bignosebird.com/carchive/bnbbook.shtml

I am aslo wondering if the actual html download they give you is correct, because the guest book they supply has no 'submit' button (I added my own) and there is no- where
to read your (and others) guestbook entries from once you have submitted the form.

If you could help me out here or at least point me in the right direction, It wouild be very much appreciated !

I'm pretty handy with Illustrator, Photoshop etc and I'd be very happy to return the favour in the future

Thank you very much in advance :O)


Kind Regards

Adrian

According to the error, the file should reside at:
/home/kitachi/www/gbook.html

When you ftp in, use the "pwd" command to see where you are, then "cd /home/kitachi/www/" and "put gbook.html".

If you chmod'ed the file to 644, you set it that you have read-write permissions, group and everyone else both have read-only permissions.

I'm wondering if the problem lie in the permissions on
/cgi-bin/guestbook/bnbbook.cgi ...
Is there a "Readme" file that came with the package?

Also, I get a bunch of script errors on the index page, and the pop-up displays in too small of a window - there's no resize bars on it either...

Also, be careful if you're going to allow HTML code to be posted by other on your site. The current trend in web-(anti?)security is leading towards more and more cross-site-scripting exploits, and it can do some mean stuff to your visitors...

Thanks livin' free

Your comments are appreciated, but I really must stress that I am a real nivice with unix/ pearl.


According to the error, the file should reside at:
/home/kitachi/www/gbook.html

It does !! (well, I think so !)

When you ftp in, use the "pwd" command to see where you are, then "cd /home/kitachi/www/" and "put gbook.html".

well. it;s at : home/kitachi/www/gbook.html what difference does puttin' "cd in front make, what does "cd mean ??

If you chmod'ed the file to 644, you set it that you have read-write permissions, group and everyone else both have read-only permissions.

well, the readme file says :

4.) Permissions on the guestbook html file are wrong. Try

644 (read/write for owner and group, read for others).

On many servers, cgi scripts may not run as "you". If

this is the case, you must use 666 (read/write for all)

Maybee 666 will work ??!

I'm not sure what 'chmod'ed'm actuallt stands for.. I think it has loats to do with setting permisson though !!

I'm wondering if the problem lie in the permissions on
/cgi-bin/guestbook/bnbbook.cgi ...
Is there a "Readme" file that came with the package?

Yes, it says:

You did not set the permissions on the file properly.

You must "chmod 755" the script. This means the owner

can read/write/execute, and group and others can read

and execute.

Also, I get a bunch of script errors on the index page, and the pop-up displays in too small of a window - there's no resize bars on it either...


do you mean my initial mail pop up mail pop up ??
if so, that's a real drag, because it looks jut fin in both I5 and netscape 6 on my mac but far too smal on a pc (apparently).. that's somthing i've gotta iron out !

Also, be careful if you're going to allow HTML code to be posted by other on your site. The current trend in web-(anti?)security is leading towards more and more cross-site-scripting exploits, and it can do some mean stuff to your visitors.

thanks.. I'll bear that in mind, especially when I become more use to pearl 1


cheers for you time and help... I guess it's time for me to get stuck back into it !!

Much appreciated

Adrian (UK)

PS I was in Orange County last year. It's a REALLY beautiful place and I had a great time there.

Sorry - the cd means "change directory". That way, if you weren't there before, you will be now. It looks like you're in the right place, though.

As for #4), they're wrong. 664 Would make it read-write for user and group, and read for everyone else. Try using the command "chmod 666 gbook.html", like they suggest it may need... And yes, chmod changes the permissions of the file, in this case.
Ok, try using the command chmod 755 bnbbook.cgi once you're in the directory. (I don't know where you have your cgi-bin directory. Navigate to wherever you placed the cgi, the execute the command there)
Sorry
For reference, I'm using IE 6.0 on Windows NT 4.0 sp6a.
You might have a friend try it out using win98 and netscape combinations as well.
Right on! Did you get to enjoy any of the beaches?

Thanks Livin' free :O)

It's up and working now (at last)

I cured the server path problem by replacing it with:

$GUESTBOOK="$ENV{DOCUMENT_ROOT}/";

It's at: http://www.kitachi.info/gbook.html


Thanks for yopu help and explaining some of the terms..


I'm only just skimming the surface of pearl because I'm really more into flash and graphic design.

I guess I'll pick the script up over time.



As For My trip to Orange county, I didn't check out the beaches there because
I was mainly in Orange to session the Vans skatepark (cool)

I did checl out Oecan beach and also 'Moonlight Beach' in Encinitas (wonderful place) I had an amazing time.

I shall return !


You take care now

regards

Adrian