Windows
Here are instructions for getting Perl to work with Oracle on a PC/Windows client:
1) Download ActiveState Perl
http://www.activestate.com/store/activeperl/download
2) Run the Perl Package Manager
Two packages must be installed for Perl to talk to Oracle. The DBI (Database Interface) and the DBD (Database Driver).
ppm> install DBI
ppm> install ftp://ftp.esoftmatic.com/outgoing/DBI/5.8.3/DBD-Oracle.ppd
3) Install the Oracle Client (if needed)
If you have come this far you probably already have the Oracle client installed. If not, fire up the installer on the Oracle Install Media and install at least the Client.
4) Set up TNSNAMES.ORA
Include servers that you would like to connect to.
5) Try some examples