How to authenticate web users?

[jake]

Hi, What are various ways and the best way to make a secure section of a web
site?

Example:

I need two secure areas: (don't know if it needs https like total encyption)
1.. all members, and
2.. conference attendees so that they can access presentations.

I also would like to use forms for online membership applications/renewals
and online meeting registration.

Do I need a database? Or can I do it somehow with a text file and
javascript?...

I guess I am looking for the simplest way.

 

[Ronx]

You need a database of some sort - a text file can be used as a database,
but may require serious programming.
JavaScript is clientside scripting - this is not suitable for your
application in particular, and not for any application involving security.
If you use a Windows server that supports ASP and Access, see
Protect individual pages:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;825498
as an example of securing individual pages using a database.
Also see
Password Protect Part of a Web:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;301554
but this uses a different technique.