You could test to see if stdin is connceted to a tty! [ -t 0 ] && echo interactive -- Bernd Felsche, _--_|\ #include <std/disclaimer.h> Metapro Systems, / sale \ Fax: +61 9 472 3337 328 Albany Highway, \_.--._/ Phone: +61 9 362 9355 Victoria Park, Western Australia v Email: bernie at metapro.DIALix.oz.au