[Xitami] Need some software/Xitami advice.

[WhiteShepherd]

  Ok need some serious advice folks. :)  I am adding CGI services to my 
web hosting.  I am rather new to CGI so I am not sure what will work 
best and thus could use some advice.  

My CGI server and webserver will be on two separate machines both 
running Xitami (I figure a DOS attack on the CGI will not bring down my 
web server then and the CGI process overhead won't lag the web 
pages ;).  My CGI server is a dual pentuim 90 running NT4 server, 
Xitami  and Zone Alarm.  

I really don't have deep pockets (I just run a fan art site with no 
advertising) so very low cost/GNU is important.  I would like to find a 
good CGI script to create "Forums"/message board for my users to 
discuss art. 

Anyone here with experience in what software would work best for me?  
I have heard that Active Perl is good and cygwin is helpful.  But again I 
am new to CGI.  Also if any of you can suggest a decent and free 
"message board" script that would be handy too.

Thanks again I can use all the advice I can get! ;)

    Gene

----------------------------------------------------------------
Whiteshepherd ( www.whiteshepherd.furtopia.org )

http://www.furtopia.org / www.dragoncity.net  - Unlimited, fast, and 
completly free hosting for ALL the furry arts.  Personalized 
(www."yourname".*.* ) subdomains available, and linking to existing 
web pages to increase your traffic.  Furry Sketch-n-Guess games held 
online Sundays at 8PM (www.furtopia.org/sketch).