Just the interpreter and your favorite text editor will do for starts. If you want to install modules you'll need to download them and transfer them over on a flash drive. Why can't you connect your Linux machine to the network (if only just to install modules)?

However, Perl is pretty feature complete right out of the box. You'll only need to add modules if you need to use some specialized libraries. You certainly don't need them to get through the Llama book (at least I didn't back when I had the 2nd edition).

I know the newest Ubuntu doesn't need to connect to the Internet to get Perl (it has it from a fresh install). Also, I'm taking a Perl class at college and we're going through the Llama book. I support any class that uses a textbook referred to as "The Llama book".

Well, I cant connect to the internet because the people in control of our school network and higher up computer administration (we call em computer services) are a bunch of blithering idiots and very very paranoid. they hate linux im sure, do countless silly things and force my programming and computer repair classes to settle for less.

Anyway, thats just my rant...but the Im not really supposed to be doing perl, but I will anyway they prefer VB. My teacher knows nothing about perl, he didnt even know that it was a script, so all the class is is a motivation. Thanks for your help guys...im sure I can find any modules if the book wants em. very helpfull

You might find this suprisingly fun.
http://www.freebasic.net/