Most FTP software will allow you to change the permissions of files and directories on unix web servers.

For example, if you are using CuteFTP you can right click on the desired file or directory in the remote window and select 'Change File Attributes'. From here you will be able to set "read, write and execute" permissions for the "owner, group, and public". You are considered to be the owner, and everybody else is considered to be public, including your ISP's web server and perl.

Making files executable

To make files executable you need to turn on "Read" and "Execute" permissions for owner, group and public and write for "owner". The numeric (chmod) value for this is "0755".

Making files writable

To make files writable you need to turn on "Read" and "Write" permissions for owner, group and public. The numeric (chmod) value for this is "0666".

Making directories writable

To make directories writable you need to turn on "Read", "Write" and "Execute" permissions for owner, group and public. The numeric (chmod) value for this is "0777".