I am not new to basic html website design, but I have never added a database to the site before. I want to have the results of a users input sent via e-mail to my client. I know I could use a php form, but I need thier available choices to be based on information they input.

I am told that the administration on something like this is a real headache. I do not host the site, I use a third party company. I figured that the information in the database was standard and therefore, once configured would be self sufficient.

Am I missing something here?

Also, can anyone give me tips on how to setup a page that requires a user name and password to enter?

Thanks,
lecarter
a.k.a. - Newbie

The best solution for your problem will depend on exactly what you are trying to do, but if you want someone to fill out a form and then give them choices based on what they entered, PHP is a reasonable way to go about it. PHP e-mail is easy and just a few IF statements can generate your next page.
http://www.freewebmasterhelp.com/tutorials/php/

Using databases is more complicated, but once you know PHP it is managable. The most important thing to do is to work out exactly what you want to store and how, before starting work.

Password protecting a page is quite easy. The best way is to use .htaccess:
http://www.freewebmasterhelp.com/tutorials/htaccess/
or if your host doesn't support it, just install a PHP or CGI script from Hotscripts.

Hi lecarter,

I picked up MySQL databases rather painlessly...in fact, I've been able to create several farily complex scripts, and I only know how to input/retrieve specific from the databases. Check to see if your host offers PHPMyAdmin: it is a user-friendly database administration tool, and I have used it from the get-go -- no need to learn how to set up databases using SQL syntax. I've actually found the PHP end to be much harder than managing the databases.

Conker

Thank you so much for your help and referrals to helpful sites. I am so glad I found this web site. As I venture further into the world of web site design I know I will find it very useful!