Processing Forms on bama

If your site is located on bama.ua.edu, you have multiple choices. You can use the FormMail script installed on bama.ua.edu, or you can install your own personal CGI script and use it. There is also a third option that is a combination of the two. Which one should you choose? Remember: FrontPage Extensions are not installed on bama.

FormMail

  • No special permissions needed
  • Sends the form information to an e-mail address
  • Person filling out the form is taken to a "Thank You" page
  • Simple to use
  • Supported by the HelpDesk
  • Does not need to be installed into your own account, so won't affect quotas

Instructions for setting up your form to use FormMail are available.

Personal Script

  • Must come to the HelpDesk to get CGI permissions
  • More options for what to do with form information
  • Can either program your own script or install one from a third party, but it must not conflict with University or OIT policies
  • Limited support options
  • Must be installed in your personal cgi-bin directory, so will affect your account quota

More information about personal CGI scripts is available.

BFormMail

This is a variation on FormMail that can be used to write the form information to a file instead of e-mailing it.

  • Must come to the HelpDesk to get CGI permissions
  • Must be installed in your personal cgi-bin directory and write to a file on your account
  • Simple to use
  • Supported by the HelpDesk
  • Respondent may get thank you page and/or confirmation e-mail