password sign-in

[jclark]

I am trying to add a password sign-in to a page and Im not exactly sure how to do it. I have found scripts out there I can use but in this particular case it is different. I need the client to beable to enter their password and username and have it directed to "their" special page. So in other words I have the main page set up and depending on which client enters, it will go to their page. Have I said it confusing enough yet? I have limited knowledge of code---I use dreamweaver and frontpage. Is there a quick and easy way for me to do this.
thanks.

[Buzz]

If you have a limited knowledge of code you are in way over your head. Over my head as well. It takes far more than a simple script to accomplish what you're looking for. And if you want a secure server to make certain that noone can hack your passwords that's even more work. What you're basically talking about is creating a server, not just a page. By wanting each user to view a special section of your site you need multiple things set up. Talk to your ISP and ask them for their advice. They'll know more about how to set things to work properly on their servers.

[MishY]

You maybe able to use .htaccess but firstly are you on your own server ? Dedicated, Virtual, or freehost ?

Not all hosts allow you to do this. Creating new users would be a slow process.

A lot of the free scripts that can allow you to do this aren't as secure as you would seem to want.

MishY

[JustJay]

If you don't have to worry about security and just redirection to a user specific page is what you are after - you can find scripts HERE (http://javascript.internet.com)

Otherwise - way over my head! But give me a few months if you can wait...LOL I am self-learning as fast as I can! :D

[ 14 June 2001: Message edited by: JustJay ]

[Steven.Bentley]

Are these pages for each client static pages, manually generated, or are they produced on the fly by a server side scripting language, (perl (CGI), ASP, PHP etc)?

Even if not, are any of these available?

[jclark]

Thanks to everyone that has replied. The page doesn't have to be secure. It is basically a service I am setting up for my clients' clients. They will beable to access a special page based on what kinds of hardware they have in their office. (ie...when they need to order new printer cartridges). This is just a service he wants to add to help them along. Their own page to go to. I am making it simple: they basically fill in a form with what they own. Then I will manually set up a page with what they can order and their special prices. So what I need is a member sign in page and when they fill in their username and password it will take them to their special web page. Most scripts I have seen only go to one page. This won't work. So this is where I am stumped. Without going thru all the DB stuff. Thanks Julie

[Steven.Bentley]

If there's nothing confidential then a couple of JavaScript if statements would do it, but I'd prefer to do it server side if at all possible, just so that the passwords are hidden.

Do you have any of the server side scripting languages available?

[jclark]

No I haven't found any yet. I do have access to the server tho. Im not exactly sure how to go about it.
Julie

[Steven.Bentley]

OK I'll put you some JavaScript together if you want, but I'd be happier using a server side language.

Try asking the hosting people about ASP CGI and PHP and see if you get a straight answer ;)

[jclark]

Well, its his own server. He is a person who puts together networks. I don't believe he knows anything about programming, cgi, php etc.... So that is why I do have access to his server. He stores some of his clients web sites on his server as well. So if it is just a metter of putting a cgi code on his server in a special file folder---is this all I would have to do? Do you just make a cgi bin and put it there and have the forms somehow process thru it.

When I was working for a different person they did this for a time. But someone else took care of handling the cgi part. I just inserted the correct code on my site and changed the products and price as I went. It was pretty slick. Im a little in the dark here on how it exactly works.
Thanks Julie

[Steven.Bentley]

If he puts together networks he should be able to tell you how he set up the server I'd have thought.

The cgi-bin is a special directory on the server. I say special, it's not really that different to any other directory except that it's been configured with the ExecCGI option in the server's httpd.conf file (assuming it's Apache).

Installation of the CGI file is usually a case of putting it in this cgi-bin directory, uploading it in in ASCII mode (not binary) and then setting the CHMOD tp 755 so that the server can execute it.

Once it's there you set the form action to the cgi file.

That's the basics, if you need more meat on those bones just shout :) You'll find lots of CGI scripts at http://www.cgi-resources.com - look in the PERL section.