how do i create a user login page?

[viktoria]

I need to create a user login page with a database for a client of mine. The database needs to be easily changed and updated by my client, and each username and password needs to be linked to a directory where files will be stored for the users to download when they do log in. These directories would also need to be updated, changed and added by my client. I do not need the user to log out after- simply close the browser. this is an example of what i need this to do:

http://www.cosmostreet.com/client_access/index.php

username: ny

so you can see that once you are logged in, there is a directory in there with files that the user can view and download. this is exactly what i need, but have absolutely no idea of how to go about it. I only know flash and html but no php or mySql- is there a tutorial out there that explains this step by step?

[GaryS]

What you're describing sounds like a permissions system: as well as controlling who can log in, it controls what they can see when they log in.

There's a article on the subject here...

http://www.php-mag.net/magphpde/magphpde_article/psecom,id,595,nodeid,21.html

... but be warned that this is tricky stuff if you're new to server-side programming.

[themarty]

I would advise against doing this yourself. As GaryS said, it's tricky stuff. It's tricky enough having 'some' experience, so being a complete newby you can be almost sure there will be (more) than a few security holes when you've completed the job.

If only 1 login is needed, maybe you should opt for putting all the scripts in a seperate directory and secure that .htaccess