anyway... I have a student up here who is doing Un*x shell scripting (he is learning on the go) to run scientific data files through thier paces and of course get the required output (that goes without saying). anyway, I don't have enough experience to help him, but I was wondering if anyone from up at the uni was around who might be able to give him some time? Please let me know as soon as you can, I'd appreciate heaps.