How to start a program from web browers using php

[acrs]

Hi. I'm trying to make a open source kiosk like system. When the web browser starts all programs, it will run in the browser using PHP. I've found this link: Program execution Functions. It's using:

 

<?php

  $WshShell = new COM("WScript.Shell");

  $oExec = $WshShell->Run("WINWORD.exe", 7, false);

?>

 

I was able to start Microsoft Word on Windows, but I need to be able to do this on Linux. This is what I've tried on my Linux server:

 

<?php

  exec("/var/www/test.sh");

?>

 

But nothing happens. I know that test.sh works because I ran if from the terminal. I use test.sh to start a Python script. The Python script starts a text editor. I've tested the Python script and it works. All I need know is how to start the script from PHP on Linux.

 

 

[Solaris]

Does PHP (or Apache, if PHP is running as an Apache module) have execute permission on /var/www/test.sh ?