Set a permament "global" variable??/

Hi all... i wanna set a variable ($tasktype) that do not need to be passed or "submit" yet exist in other files.. the value of the variable is based on user input... or is determined by say.. access level of user.. i do not want to use cookie in this case...... and include ".inc" is not possible in this case too.... value of variable may change.... will global $tasktype work in this case...???? thanks... john