A couple of simple questions

[webdork]

Ok so I am building a website that requires on one page that there is a log in screen, thats the easy part I already made a css/php login box....

Now the questions.

1. Where are all the usernames/pw's stored? I don't get that do I need a program for authentication and to store the usernames and pw's on the server? This really confuses me so dumb it down for me and help me out.

2. Is there any sever that will support forum hosting? I have seen the free forums and such but I would like a REAL domain name not some made up weird one lol.

Any sugeestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

[wige]

1. Usually, usernames and passwords are stored in a MySQL database. You would want to encrypt the password when you create the user using PASSWORD(). This is a one way encryption that will prevent attackers from being able to log in as other users if they somehow get access to the database. When users log in, you encrypt the password they give with the already encrypted password in the database.

2. Many shared hosts support forums. There are forums such as PHPBB which you can install if you are very familiar with PHP and MySQL, or some hosts will actually offer pre-installed forums that you can then customize for your site.

[webdork]

Thank you, I have downloaded phpmyadmin but alas I am unfamiliar with this type of program and installation and it is giving me issues. I have no config inc php file and have NO freaking clue what I am doing.... Or how to write/compile this type of file.

I understand i may be a newb and this may be frustrating to more seasoned webmasters, but any help would as always be greatly appreciated.I am always happy to learn new skills so please be patient with me.

I feel if i can get this down this will greatly help me be a better and more well rounded web designer. Thanks!

[Uncle Dog]

The question heading is incorrect. It should read - A complicated question and a simple question

Because a login page looks simple and the general concept of username/password sounds simple many beginners assume it's a fairly easy thing to tackle. I would recommend investing some time learning about php and MySQL. Don't worry about phpmyadmin for the moment, it will only serve to confuse you. It's a tool for manipulating MySQL databases (which you don't appear to know much about... yet)

Hosting and forums? What wige said.

[webdork]

Yea I agree like I said I'm a newb but I'm trying. I have the forum taken care of for now through go daddy (yea yea I know but that's what the client wanted). Well thank you very much fellas.

Dog do you have any suggested reading material that could help me out or even better online videos? I'm eager to learn but I learn best from hands on experience. And again I really appreciate the patience and help.

[Uncle Dog]

Try
w3schools.com and their section on PHP MySQL functions

PHP online documentation heavy - but the ultimate reference.

MySQL online documentation heavy - but the ultimate reference.

How do you develop at the moment? If you decide to get seriously into these subjects then you'll benefit from setting up your own developer environment (server, php, mysql and phpmyadmin) on your pc - you don't want to make mistakes on a live site. PM me if and when you decide to do this. I can advise on how you go about setting this up.

[webdork]

Thank you for those I will look into them!

Well mostly as of now I haven't needed logins and such since I have just been doing sites for small businesses. and those are just to make ends meet while my wife was laid off from the i.r.s..

And before i set up an environment I need to build a decent system right now my lap top is having issues running dreamweaver, the gimp and mozilla at the same time. So it's time for a new system but I need to kick out a few small sites for me to afford it.