Ted wrote:

I'm beginning to realise (stupidly a bit too late) that you may be operating entirely in a Windows environment and not in a Unix/Linux one

No, you were correct the first time, my web browser is apache running under linux. I just didn't understand what you posted, is all. I'm but a fledgling! The web pages, however, will be accessed from windows machines. I have a nice little bash shell script all ready to run, but am still struggling with the php to execute it. I'm about to cheat and set up cron to run it every half hour so i can go home. But thanks all. Help appreciated. Just frustrated at my own shortcomings. Jenny.