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Where is my cgi-bin located?
If you requested a cgi-bin directory, it is placed in the absolute path /home/username/www/cgi-bin. You see it in /www/cgi-bin i.e., in the Apache config file, ScriptAlias="/home/username/www/cgi-bin/"

If you did not request a cgi-bin directory, then you have a default set of scripts available for your use.

What cgi-bin scripts do I have by default?
You have the following cgi-bin scripts: 
        cgi-lib.pl      formdata.pl     mailform        urljumper.pl
        form.cgi        test-cgi        cgiemail
Where can I get information about how to use the default cgi-bin programs, cgi-lib.pl, formdata.pl, cgiemail, mailform, urljumper.pl, form.cgi, test-cgi?
Follow this link for more information about using these default cgi-bin scripts.
Why can't I change the default cgi-bin scripts?
We know that the default scripts work, so we provide them to you as a convenience. If you want to make modifications, you can simply make a copy of the scripts that we have in your directory, calling it script2.pl for example. You can then modify and use this program.
What restrictions are there on cgi-bin scripts?
We reserve the right to inspect and reject any cgi-bin for any reason (typically for security holes or excessive use of system resources).
Which version of perl do you have on the system?
We have both perl4 and perl5 installed on the system.
perl4 is in /usr/bin/perl
perl5 is in /usr/local/bin/perl

Perl4 is a smaller program than perl5, and so might run your cgi-bin's faster if speed is a problem. Otherwise, we stronly suggest you program in perl5, as it is the new standard.

One thing that this means is that when "@" does not reference an array, you have to escape it with a "\" in your custom cgi's (if you have them). E.g., when you set an email address or when you want to print out a literal "@" in the title or text of your html:

$mailrecipient="user\@domain.com";

or

print "<html><head><title> The \@cafe </title></head>\n";

Why do I get the message Forbidden You don't have permission to access my_program on this system?
First, make sure that you've arranged to have a cgi-bin directory. If you don't ask for one when you sign up for a CWS account, we give you a default set of scripts that reside in the server's cgi-bin.

Next, make sure you're uploading your program into the correct cgi-bin directory. When you ftp to your account, you should change directory into www/cgi-bin.

The most likely cause of the problem is that you haven't made your program executable by our server. Your ftp client should have this ability, but some (including the MS-DOS "ftp" program) don't. You'll need to make your program world-executable. Look for keywords like chmod or permissions.

We have a document explaining how to change permisssions with some common ftp clients. Email or call our technical support department at 212.243.5200 if you need help or advice.