This script offers a simple way to setup .htaccess or .nsconfig type user authentication to your web directories using username / password. It is a solid solution for managing private site signups. This script features auto- creation and expiration of accounts, account edit features, a customizable email template, and many other configurable settings.

Master Reciprocal Links http://willmaster.com/master/rlinks/index.shtml

Most search engines favor sites with links from other similar sites. But growing and maintaining a list of links can be a lot of work. Here's a free script that will automate these tasks for you. Not only does program make it easy to maintain a links page, it also finds out who cheats are!

Your Own Associate Program http://www.palis.com/new/yoap16/index.htm

Leverage efforts of hundreds or even thousands of other webmasters by opening up an affiliate program at your site. This script by Paul Galloway runs my program automatically and is used by many high-profile marketers.

Master Syndicator http://willmaster.com/master/syndicator/index.shtml

Do you offer articles, images or other content to webmasters, to use on their own sites? Here's a way to automate process -- for you AND them! This script lets webmasters add two lines of JavaScript code on their page at location where your content is to appear. Then, all you do is paste your column into your own Syndicator form and with one click you can automatically update every syndication websites' pages, all at once. Pretty slick eh?

CDomain Pro http://www.cdomain.com

This script contains a domain lookup which helps your visitors find existing domains and it also includes a powerful domain name wizard. The wizard combines descriptive words that your visitors enter and presents them with a list of related domain names that are available. If you are a domain name reseller, this lightning-fast, user friendly script is ideal, as it can take your visitors right to your domain name registration service. I liked this one so much I had it installed at my site! You can demo it at: http://www.bizweb2000.com/wizard.htm

If you feel that any of these scripts would enhance your website, visit URL and learn more. Or, if you have an idea for your site and would like to automate process, you can search for a script at .

And remember, don't pass up a script because of limited knowledge of cgi. While you can install cgi scripts on your server yourself, you can also hire someone else to do it. The key is to never stop transforming your site into a powerful lead and sale generator - and these scripts do just that!

4. Set File Permissions using CHMOD

CHMOD (changing mode) is term for setting security permissions on files. The README file will usually tell you permissions that you need to set for each file. The script file will need to be set to 755. This allows file's owner to read, write, and execute file; anyone else can only read and execute it.

You can set permissions using telnet, but easiest way is to use built-in option in your FTP program.

5. Calling Script

Now that you've configured script, uploaded it and set permissions, it's time to try it out! You do this by 'calling script' using a URL in an HTML document. This is what URL for calling your script will normally look like:

http://www.yourdomain.com/cgi-bin/script.cgi

Again, README file should have specific instructions on how to call script. In addition, most CGI programs are accompanied by a web page that contains form your visitors would use to call script.

And now here are details of 5 free CGI scripts I mentioned earlier:

----------------------- Subscribe Me Lite -----------------------

Subscribe Me Lite is a program that allows prospects/customers to automatically subscribe and/or unsubscribe themselves from your mailing list. It has a built-in mass mailing form for sending out your newsletter or updates.

More Information: http://www.cgiscriptcenter.com/subscribe/index2.html

----------------------- Rob's File Tracker -----------------------

Rob's File Tracker is a perl script that counts file downloads or click-thrus to any file. Very useful if you want to know how many people are downloading your free E-Book.

More Information: http://www.robplanet.com/cgi racker/

----------------------- AdRotate Pro -----------------------

AdRotate Pro is an ad rotation program that's easy to setup and easy to use. Features include unlimited rotations, expiry by date, views or clicks, default ads for when all ads are expired, and customer reports.

More Information: http://www.vanbrunt.com/adrotate/

----------------------- MasterRecommend -----------------------

This script allows visitors to recommend your website to a friend by sending an email, without leaving your website. The program will also send you a copy of your visitor's message (nice to know what your visitors think about your website).

More Information: http://www.willmaster.com/master/recommend/MasterRecommendmanual.html

----------------------- Master Auto-Responder -----------------------

This is a standard auto-responder program. The script allows you to set "From:" and "Subject:" lines for your auto-response.You can also choose to receive a copy of each email that auto-responder receives.

More Information: http://mastercgi.com/howtoinfo/howautoresponderswork.shtml

If you need more help installing your CGI scripts, here are two excellent free tutorials:

http://spider-food.net/install-a-cgi-script.html http://www.stefan-pettersson.nu/scripts utorials/installcgi.html