Python is a higher level language that is very portable to various OS platforms and can drive various other programs. It is basically object oriented. It is open source, thus it is free and gaining in popularity. There are numerous free sights and various books on it. Present newest version is 2.2.2 if think. Try starting here... http://www.python.org/doc/Newbies.html I am a physician who does informatics and hobbies in 3D. Python is a good alternative to Perl, and many are migrating from Perl to Python ...apparently a more elegant programming language. Check it out! M. Glant