Here we go: I want to create my website so that users may browse around, but in order to access certain pages (ie..more detailed information and pages), they must log in with their login and password. I am not familiar with creating a login/passw database at all. Please keep in mind that I will also be having a Forum/messageboard that should also be using their login/passw. The site is already created using only HTML (this site is not an interactive flash site). I would like to add the login/passw so that I can impliment the forum and keep track of user info (ie emails) Here's the Q's: 1. What Programs should I (recommended) use? (Pearl..??) 2. And can you give me a brief idea on how I will be doing this with the program. -I know that I will be picking up a book and doing research on using the program itself..(I don't have a strict timeframe), but I would appreciate a brief discription so that I know I'm going in the right directions. Thanks in advance and GREAT SITE so far!! James iceburrg2k@yahoo.com

ive created 2 login systems based on PHP but im not sure how you would combine it in with your forum, as the forum passwords will be stored in a MYSQL database HTACCESS is an option, but again settings the forum and htaccess passwords automatically after 1 submission is another story.. Jaydiocity.co.uk

You could always use the same usernames and passwords from your forum database for the rest of the site. That's always very doable.

PhP is the best and easiest way to go for this. however if you have access to perl scripting (a cgi-bin directory) on your host server. check these out.....they work very well...Ive used them in the past and had no problems. http://cgi.resourceindex.com/Programs_and_Scripts/Perl/Password_Protection/ keep in mind you can also use C++ or VB! Forget Microsoft, Go with Linux.