I’ve been asked to participate in the development of a secure, web-based form for submitting material requests (in this case: books, CDs, DVDs, etc…). The idea, as it stands now, is that users would enter multiple requests which would be transferred to a database (Access?). Although I will not be asked to do the detailed work, I would like to understand the basics of entering, submitting, and manipulating data via the web. My experience with html development is very basic. Would someone point me to a resource or resources that could get me started on the basics of submitting data via the web?

Not exactly for what you asked. Here are a list of things you want to be able to identify - know their roles: SQL - database query language Web server - ex. Apache, IIS Server-side Language - ex. PHP, ASP, JSP SSL - Secure Socket Layers HTTP - and HTTPS HTML - especially forms Database - DBMS, database, and server CMS - just know it as a buzzword, common LAMP - basic technical buzzword, very common As I said, don't bother thoroughly understanding all those (few, if any, do). Just know what they do and you will be empowered to understand setups and learn more. Try searching Wikipedia for more information. More questions in the forum are welcome. Specific ones will probably get better answers.

Are you looking for some type of shopping cart script? Some hosting companies will give you a free secure shopping cart system with your account.

Whats: "LAMP - basic technical buzzword, very common" I never have heard of it, and I run a hosting company Excell Hosting for all your hosting needs.

LAMP is an acronym for Linux+Apache+MySQL+PHP (or Perl)