need help

[gene02]

I'm building a web site I want to setup user ID and Password I dont know how to do this. Is this a data base function that is setup by php or mysql and how do I start it? help please thanks

[Narasinha]

There are several ways that you can make part of a web site accessible only to those who have a valid username and password. One of the easiest and most flexible methods is to use an .htaccess file. If your web server software is Apache (or similar flavor), these files can be used for a variety of purposes like custom 404 error pages, URL redirection, directory indexes, password protection, etc.

http://resma.net/tutorials/htaccess.php has a nice tutorial on setting up a password protected directory. You create the .htaccess file which contains instructions to the server about that directory. You create an .htpasswd file which contains the usernames and passwords. There is an online tool that you use to create the encrypted passwords for that file. If you simply put in plain text for the passwords, then you're going to have problems.

Hope this helps.

[redcircle]

If you want to integrate the logon screen into the design like this forum you would have to use some server-side scripting language. .htaccess only allows for the ugly popup login window.

[gene02]

Looks like this SSL is the way I would like to go any advice on where to get started from? Need very basic info to get a grasp on the project I wish to start.

[redcircle]

You need to get a certificate from a 3rd party like verisign or thawte.. there are also cheaper ones that may handle what you need to do..

Basically the only thing SSL will do is make sure the connection is secure you will still need to impliment the login/password problem.

[minstrel]

There are several ways that you can make part of a web site accessible only to those who have a valid username and password. One of the easiest and most flexible methods is to use an .htaccess file. If your web server software is Apache (or similar flavor), these files can be used for a variety of purposes like custom 404 error pages, URL redirection, directory indexes, password protection, etc.

However, as far as I know, the .htaccess file will not work on an NT server...

[gene02]

thanks for the input and leads on how to get started