CSWS_PERL for HP Secure Web Server for OpenVMS (based on Apache) Installation Guide and Release Notes

This document is the Installation Guide and Release Notes for CSWS_PERL Version 2.1 for the HP Secure Web Server for OpenVMS (Apache-based), published in November 2005.

Key Information:

• Purpose: Provides instructions for installing and managing CSWS_PERL, which integrates Perl capabilities with the Secure Web Server on OpenVMS.
• Compatibility: CSWS_PERL v2.1 is specifically designed to work *only* with Secure Web Server Version 2.1 and is based on mod_perl 2.0.1.
• Platform Requirements:
  • OpenVMS Alpha Version 7.3-2 or higher
  • OpenVMS I64 Version 8.2 or higher
  • Secure Web Server Version 2.1 for OpenVMS
  • Perl Version 5.8.6 (or higher) for OpenVMS

Installation Process:

1. Pre-Installation:
   • Crucially, define the PERL_ROOT and PERLSHR logicals (e.g., using DEFINE/JOB) before installation to ensure the kit can correctly add and remove Perl extensions.
   • Ensure the Secure Web Server is configured to use the correct version of Perl.
2. Installation Command: Use PRODUCT INSTALL CSWS_PERL/DESTINATION=DISK1:[WEB_SERVER].
   • Important: The CSWS_PERL kit *must* be installed into the *same device and directory* as the Secure Web Server for OpenVMS.
3. Post-Installation:
   • The installation modifies HTTPD.CONF to enable MOD_PERL and includes mod_perl.conf.
   • The Apache server must be shut down and restarted for changes to take effect.
   • Review the MOD_PERL.CONF configuration file and test with a sample script (e.g., http://your_web_server_host/perl/perl_rules.pl).

Removal Process:

1. Pre-Removal: The Secure Web Server must be shut down before removing CSWS_PERL.
2. Removal Command: Use PRODUCT REMOVE CSWS_PERL. This command removes all installed files, directories, and the reference to MOD_PERL.CONF from HTTPD.CONF.

Release Notes & Important Considerations:

• Installation Order: While the order for other optional modules (like PHP or JAVA) is flexible, Secure Web Server for OpenVMS and Perl for OpenVMS must be installed and configured before CSWS_PERL.
• Perl Script Protections: Perl scripts must be world-readable and world-executable (e.g., SET FILE/PROTECTION=W:RE MYSCRIPT.PL).
• Version Tracking: CSWSPERL and Perl kits are tightly connected. CSWSPERL v2.1 is confirmed to work with Perl v5.8.6; using different or incompatible versions may lead to incorrect behavior or errors.
• Shareable Image Mismatch: Pointing to the wrong version of Perl can cause an "ident mismatch" error (%LIB-E-ACTIMAGE).