How does a Log-In field work

[core20]

I've seen many web sites that offer a log-in feature.

What is involved in putting a log-in for my site? Do I need some sort of
back end database? Can I used Access, or Sharepoint?

Is this something the web hosting company provides?

Second question: I want to put a sign up for our email newsletter field that
will automatically save to some database. What are the general concepts to
this feature?

Final: I'd like a button that will generate a 'forward to a friend'
feature. Again, don't know how.

Man I wish I knew everything!!

 

[David Berry]

You could do this with server-side scripting but your web host needs to
support it. Ask them if they support ASP. If they do (most servers running
windows will) then see http://www.kamath.com/tutorials/tut003_auth.asp for
an example. This uses an Access Database.

For email to a friend, again with ASP, see the example at
http://www.asp101.com/samples/tell_a_friend.asp (use the ASP code one not
the ASP.NET one)