First, a little background for the youngsters: Before PHP and ASP became popular, Web developers used the Common Gateway Interface (CGI) to process forms and such. A URL was used to point to a CGI script on the server (usually in the cgi-bin folder) and the form could be processed. The CGI script could be built in any of several languages, the most common being Perl. And a great way to simplify everything was to name all CGI scripts with the .cgi extension. In this way you could configure your webserver to treat all files with a .cgi extension as CGI scripts.

The first step was to find out how DreamWeaver decides which file extensions are supported. I scoured the internet for information on how to add file extensions to the DreamWeaver program. After several hours of searching I finally came up with a way to achieve our goal!

You will need to edit two files to add the .cgi extension with the full capabilities of Dreamweaver CS3, 4, 5, and beyond. These two files are an .xml file and a .txt file. Remember that Windows hides known file extensions so you may have to change your settings to make sure you grab the right files. I did not try this on a Mac but I assume the files are named the same. There are lines in the files that allow for enabling these features on a Macintosh, so I think this will work for Mac, you will just have to find the files in the directory they install in the Mac OS.

And here are the steps to make it happen:

Get the official Dreamweaver Extension for Perl Support (by ChrisBanks) from:
http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/exchange/index.cfm?event=extensionDetail&extid=1021086 Download, install, then restart Dreamweaver. You need to restart Dreamweaver anytime a new extension is added in order for it to work.

Open Windows Explorer to the following directory:
C:\Users\{YOUR_USER_NAME_GOES_HERE}\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Dreamweaver CS5\en_US\Configuration\DocumentTypes\
OR from the “Run…” prompt:
C:\Users\{YOUR_USER_NAME}\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Dreamweaver CS5\en_US\Configuration\DocumentTypes\PerlDocumentType.xml )

Find the file name PerlDocumentType.xml, and open it with a text editor.

NOTE: If you properly installed the Perl Support Extension above, you will see the file. If not, search for it by the name or try to reinstall the Perl extension.

In the 3rd line of the file find the following:

And change it to:

Finally, use the Windows Explorer and go to: C:\Users\{YOUR_USER_NAME}\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Dreamweaver CS5\en_US\Configuration
To use the Run… prompt:
C:\Users\{YOUR_USER_NAME}\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Dreamweaver CS5\en_US\Configuration\Extensions.txt

Find the file with the name Extensions.txt there.

If you properly install the DW Extension for Perl Support, the last line of the file will be:
PL,PM:Perl files
change it to:
PL,PM,CGI:Perl files

Save the file. Close Dreamweaver, and re-open it. Try it out!

Every computer on the network needs a unique IP address to be identified by the other computers on the network. What happens sometimes, is Windows attempts to procure an IP address that is already in use on the network. More often than not, it usually starts using IP addresses that start with 192.168.11.x or 192.168.1.x where the ‘x’ is a number between 2 and 100 that usually represents the number of computers using the router, plus one. If you have 5 computers on the same router, then your IP addresses could be 192.168.11.2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. You can set your IP addresses up as “static IP addresses” with this tutorial. You could set it to something like 192.168.11.9 so that when your cousin comes over to the house with his laptop, s/he doesn’t take up an IP address that is typically used by one of your computers in sleep or hibernate mode. Sound like something similar to what you have experienced? Well then, let me try and give you a hand.

DISCLAIMER: I apologize for being very detailed in advance. I am not sure of your level of skill and I write all my answers and suggestions in such a way an 8 year old can follow. I mean no insult or disrespect. I’m going to explain a little about what is happening with your router and network connections so that you can troubleshoot and tweak it to work right for you. No two networks are EVER the exact same, which makes it hard to explain exactly how to set one up without being the one clicking the mouse and typing on the keyboard.

WHAT YOU NEED FIRST!!!!!
Aside from the obvious (computer, keyboard, mouse and internet connection), you need to know your Internet Service Providers DNS Server IP addresses (there should be AT LEAST TWO!!!) before you start!!!! You will also benefit from having the instructions or a manual for your router or switch. If you have a switch instead of a router, then the terms can be interchangeable for this particular explanation.

WHAT THE ROUTER IS DOING:
The IP address you are assigned from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is NOT the same as your INTERNAL network IP. The router is taking your IP Address that connects you to the REST OF THE WORLD and dividing up the internet traffic to your INTERNAL NETWORK so ALL your computers in your home or office can connect to the World Wide Web (WWW). I will assume that you are using IPv4 since IPv6 Addresses look like this: 3ffe:1900:4545:3:200:f8ff:fe21:67cf
(About 99% of the USA is still using IPv4, so don’t sweat it.)

Chances are, you have a standard Internal IP address of something like 192.168.11.1 – MOST routers like Linksys and Netgear use 192.168.x.1 for the Gateway IP address., where x typically equals 0, 1, 2, 11, or 100. Every brand of router seems to choose a different number as the DEFAULT setting. If you have access to your router configuration page, you can ALMOST ALWAYS change the default Gateway IP address of the network.

FINDING YOUR ROUTER CONFIGURATION INFO:
Whatever the gateway IP address is, you should be able to type that directly into the Address Bar of your web browser. I RECOMMEND THAT YOU ALWAYS USE INTERNET EXPLORER because the manufacturers of the routers almost ALWAYS expect that 99% of consumers will be using Internet Explorer. 90% of routers have TERRIBLE configuration software that is rather glitchy when you make changes to it. Often, you may need to reboot your computer, or rest your modem when you make a major change to the configuration. For this reason, I suggest you keep things as close to the factory defaults as possible to avoid connectivity issues. So to recap… if you have a router with an IP Address default of 192.168.11.1 then you will type ONLY 192.168.11.1 into the ADDRESS BAR of Internet Explorer. You SHOULD be prompted for a user name and a password if you have done this correctly. Some routers will require you to be plugged in to a specific port number on the router, or will not grant you access to the configuration. If this is the case, and you cannot do anything in your power to connect to the router, then skip this point. While it’s easier if you DO have access to your router configuration page, it is not absolutely necessary.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU DON’T HAVE ACCESS TO YOUR ROUTER CONFIGURATION:
Find the instruction manual for your EXACT router and find out what the default IP address of the router is. The Gateway IP address of basic-to-moderately complex networks is nearly always the same as the IP of the router device itself. You don’t NEED to access your router configuration page to make your Windows 7 computer have a static IP address, but it certainly makes finding out what IP Addresses you should use on your network MUCH more obvious and easy.

FINDING YOUR INTERNAL IP ADDRESS WITH WINDOWS 7:
You can figure out your internal IP address in Windows 7 by going to the START button and typing in “IP ADDRESS” (without the quotes) in the bottom right hand corner where the textbox is. The textbox will read “search programs and files”, type “ip address” where you see that.

You should now see “View Network Connections”. Click that.

Now, you will see your Local Area Connection. If there are multiple devices listed, YOU MUST FIGURE OUT WHICH ONE OF THESE DEVICES IS THE ONE THAT IS CONNECTED TO THE ROUTER. If you are connected via a wireless connection, then you should look for a wireless device. If you are connected to the router directly with a network cable, then you should look for a device that does NOT have any indication that it is wireless. Windows 7 provides rather adequate icons to differentiate these types of connections.

When you find the device that you are using to connect to the router with, right click on the icon with your mouse pointer, and select “Status”. It’s usually the second option from the top on the list when you right click the icon.

Next, Click on the “Details…” button in the middle left portion of the window, usually under “Speed:”. This will give you a breakdown of all the connection details that you need for your computer.

The most important details to figuring out a good static IP address for your machine is IPv4 Address, which is the IP address CURRENTLY configured on your computer, and IPv4 Default Gateway which is the IP address of the router you are using. My router uses the Default Gateway IP of 192.168.11.1 so I use 192.168.11.2 for my computer that I am connecting to the router with a networking cable (Cat5/Cat5e/Cat6 cable wire with RJ-45 connectors that look like big fat phone line connectors).

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR INTERNAL IP ADDRESS FOR YOUR PC:
You can type in “IP ADDRESS” (without the quotes) again, click “View Network Connections” again, and find your Local Area Connection device icon again, and right click it again, but this time go to “Properties”. It’s usually at the bottom of the list after you right click on the Local Area Connection device icon.

You should now see a list that starts with “This connection uses the following items:” and you will see options with checkboxes on the left side. DO NOT UNCHECK ANY OF THESE ITEMS UNLESS YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Find the item “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)

You can either double-click on that item or single click the item to highlight it and choose “Properties” on the right hand side underneath the list of items.

Where the radio button options read:
“Obtain an IP address automatically”
OR
“Use the following IP address”
You will chose “Use the following IP address”

Enter the IP address that is only one digit different from the Default Gateway Address as mentioned above. For example if your router and Gateway IP Address is 192.168.11.1 then try to use 192.168.11.2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6… you get the idea?

In the Subnet mask section, this should default to 255.255.255.0 – if that is the case, then leave it be. there is about a 98% chance that this will be correct for your network. If you are messing around with the subnet mask settings in your router, then you probably aren’t in need of reading this rather long-winded explanation of how to set your PC to a static IP address… you probably know what your doing. This explanation is for those who DO NOT.

The Default gateway portion should be set to…. you guessed it… 192.168.x.1 where the x represents what ever your brand of router uses as the default gateway IP that you found earlier.

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND YOUR DNS SERVER SETTINGS!!!!
You will need to set the DNS server address manually when setting an IP address manually. You will need to contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider – Cable Internet, DSL, FiOS, etc.) for the DNS Server IP addresses (at LEAST TWO DNS SERVER IP ADDRESSES SHOULD BE ENTERED WHEN CONFIGURING AN IP ADDRESS MANUALLY!). Fill in both fields: Preferred DNS Server IP AND Alternate DNS Server IP.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT YOU GET THE DNS SERVER IP ADDRESSES EXACTLY RIGHT!

When you are finished, look over everything one last time to make sure its all entered correctly… and click OK. IF IT IS NOT ENTERED CORRECTLY, YOU WILL NOT HAVE INTERNET ACCESS!!!!

AGAIN, you MUST not have any other computer on your network using the same IP address that you are configuring as the Static IP address of your PC. If 2 computers have the same IP address, they will both compete for the same IP address and at least one if not BOTH computers will NOT have access to the internet or the internal network!!!!!!! I like to configure my static IP addresses in a higher range. Such as 192.168.11.10, 11, 12, 13, etc. so that way the router will not try to give an IP address out that is manually configured on the computer.

I hope this helps!

While it is POSSIBLE to use other combinations with some routers, (i.e. 127.0.0.1, or 192.255.255.1) I highly recommend against it unless you are hiding military secrets from the President of the Universe (please see: Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy) and want to spend extra time researching complex arrays of network submasking and network security. using 192.168.XXX.1 will save you a lot of time, and make your network more available to more users, much much more easily.

Don’t be intimidated by the numbers, all its doing is using a certain “block” of IP addresses. I like to use 192.168.11.1, (I’m a fan of BUFFALO TECHNOLOGIES wireless products) so since I use that “11″ in the 3rd place from the left as my Gateway IP, I will use:
192.168.11.2 as my “Static IP Address Assignment” in my Network Properties.

So in Summary,

1) Log into your routers configuration page via your web browser. In the address bar, type in http://192.168.11.1 (or whatever your Gateway IP Address is, usually its written on the box the router came in, or in the documentation for the router itself.

NOTE: Many times, a router (even with wireless capabilities) will require a “wired” or “hardline” connection with a Cat5 cable. Usually your Internet Service provider will supply you with you, or one will come with your router. Your computer must have a Network Adapter installed to plug the one end of the cable into, and the other end gets plugged into a port of the router. Most wireless routers have 4 ports for connecting manually to the router. Most routers that require a wired connection for accessing the router configuration need to be plugged into the port labeled “port 1″.
(I suggest using Internet Explorer for configuring your router[s] because its usually the web browser the developers test router configurations pages with.)

2) Once you are logged into the Router, make sure DHCP Server is turned ON if you want to be able to automatically connect to the internet through your router.

NOTE: If you are using a wireless client (i.e. Laptop with a built-in wireless network adapter, or a Desktop PC with a USB Wireless Network Adapter), be sure the router has the wireless function capability!!! (i.e. make sure your router IS wireless capable! Many of the older Linksys models that are NOT wireless capable look nearly identical to the wireless capable models. Check for antennas, if the router has antennas, and an LED on the display the says “Wireless”, it’s probably wireless!)
Be sure the wireless “broadcast” setting is ON. This setting is sometimes called Wireless Broadcast, Wireless Transmitter, Wireless Transmission, Wireless Radio, or similar.

3) You should see a pop-up from the right bottom corner of your screen with a bubble reading something to the effect of “Windows has found a wireless network in the area, click here to connect”, but if you don’t click the START button, and find the “Network” icon, right-click, and go to Properties. If you scan around in these menus (WITHOUT CHANGING ANYTHING YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND!), you will find many settings and status updates of what your network is, or is capable of doing.
NOTE: I suggest using the Windows Zero Wireless Configuration Utility for connecting to the router (and internet) via a wireless network adapter. While Microsoft does not know off all the spiffy features that Linksys/Cisco puts in the “Wireless Network Adapter Software”, chances are, you either want your internet always connected, or connected at your command. Windows has a built in feature that handles that just fine (for the most part…)

I’m interested in your feedback!!! Let me know you you have any questions or comments and I will be glad to help.

Facebook me, Twitter me, LinkedIn me, or you can view my resume online. I administer 3 web servers, 2 are remote and use Apache 2+ on Linux, and an IIS Server in house Windows Server 2008 RC2. Each have SMTP, FTP, HTTP, SSL, and DNS capabilities that utilize Perl, PHP, Ruby, and ASP script with MSSQL and MySQL databases servers. I have all of this technology linked directly to BlackBerry via AIM, Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn Apps with 3 additional custom email addresses. All this, and I’ve never worked for as a web developer or administrator for an organization larger than 20 people. So if I have never worked for a large organization, why should I use all this technology? It amazes me how busy Americans can be without ever setting foot inside an office building. I take some of the responsibility for that. I have set up methods for small organizations to communicate, access and exchange data, and market themselves as being organized, technologically current, and highly efficient to customers, clients, and potential employees and other stakeholders. I am currently looking for a position with a stable and ethical organization that is willing to give me an opportunity to become an asset to their organization.

Check out Justin Merrill and his resume on LinkedIn.com

I would ALWAYS agree with the idea that there is no substitution for experience, but experience can only take you as far as you are willing to let it show you. I have driven literally hundreds of cars, trucks, and ATVs, with automatic, “Three-in-the-tree”, 4, 5, and 6-speed manual transmissions, hand-clutch, foot clutch, no clutch, bad-clutch, in every kind of weather conditions. I even know how to operate a forklift. With all my experience from working in an emissions testing facility in OHIO, various driving, delivery, and in-field jobs, and warehouse work in shipping and receiving roles, I’ve never driven a semi-truck barefoot in the snow before. Could I do it? Sure I could, just show me the clutch, shift pattern, and heater fan switches are.

I’ve installed every version of Microsoft Windows Operating Systems (with the exceptions of Server 2003 and all it’s flavors) from MS DOS, Windows 3.0/3.1, 95, (Have you ever had to FDISK a FAT16 partition?) 98/98SE, (remember having to reformat every 6 months because of degrading performance?) NT, 2000 (Including a variety of Server Editions), Me (Millennium was like the Vista of the 90′s), XP (about 1,000 times or so), Vista (I used it on 5 machines, they ALL crashed and were riddled with bugs and errors. I always reverted clients back to XP SP3 or XP 64-bit edition when I was asked for support), Server 2008 (R2, in Standard configuration), and Windows 7 32/64 SP1 Home/Pro/Ultimate. I know my Windows, but do I know how to issue an Authentication Certificate over a VPN for a remote user on a laptop with a ZoneAlarm firewall while eating a cheeseburger in the rain with gloves on? No, I don’t, actually. But give me an hour with Google, some help files, some BBQ sauce, and rubber gloves so I don’t get it any on the keyboard and I’m certain I’d have it figured out.

How does one gain experience without the need to do so? I mean, really… why do I need an Enterprise Solution like Windows Server 2008 at home when I have 2 remote servers running Apache on Linux and a Router that handles a 5 client VPN already? I have literally forced myself to learn new software and technology for the sake of learning something new. If my Bachelor of Science Degree doesn’t show that I am capable of learning something technical by understanding the basic and complex principles behind the technology, then what would? If my MBA degree doesn’t show employers that I’m knowledgeable and equipped to handle higher level tasks and management roles in an organization, then what will? It is truly ironic how many employers are looking for someone with a profound background in specific technologies and are overlooking the talents of a more educated demographic despite how much society imposes the idea that “higher education” will yield greater rewards. I find it bizarre that I could have so much education in a wide range of fields, yet I have never made more money in a shorter period of time than I have by tending a bar. Also, my formal education with regard to “computers” is rather limited. I have had 3 courses for web development: Photoshop/Illustrator, HTML/CSS, and Perl/CGI, I have picked up Flash, Fireworks, Dreamweaver, Javascript, and PHP before I ever thought about taking such courses. I had 2 courses for learning how to configure a computer: one was an introductory course that showed me how to pass the A+ certification, and the other was Visual C++ programming course. My technical background is electronics engineering: component level circuitry, TTL logic, AC/DC, physics, atomic / molecular / electron theory, frequency behavior, communications, process controls, and the purpose of Trig/Calculus for design application. What does it all mean? What good does it do me when I can’t seem to find a position with an organization that wants to take a chance on someone with very little “on paper” work experience with a large organization? I am very confident that I can perform just about any job function, with the exception of an underwater welder, and lead singer for a Heavy Metal band. Give me about three months with a scuba tank, a gas welder, and some black nail polish, and I’d be well on my way to being the first ever underwater heavy metal welder. I can do anything I put my mind to, and I’ve put my mind to becoming a “professional” Web Developer. I am still open to an engineering position, but also CRM Administration, IT Management, Field Tech Supervisor… if I don’t get a decent offer for a position soon, I’d even consider becoming a Carny so I can travel and meet new people. Hrm… What do you think my best carny trick would be? Installing Windows XP and Linux in a dual boot configuration from a flash drive with a laptop strapped to the handlebars of my dirt bike while I leap over a flaming semi-trailer that I parallel-parked between the ramps? Hey, if that’s what is required for the job… I’m down.