Question,

If I install the latest version of perl on my system, will that mess up my GUI? or anything?

Thanks

In short - yes.
If you do a search both here and on rackshack, there are a couple of threads where it is discussed.
I'd like to be able to install it on my RAQ, but until somebody can point me in the direction of 'idiot-proof' instructions I'm not going to try it:D