Some basic help please

[th0ts]

Hi,
I've been designing sites for a few months now but really only basic ones with no user interaction but now I need to design a site with a user login so people can register & then access a members-only section of the site. I usually use dreamweaver and I don't have a server, I use online hosting. I basically need to know what the next step is...what do I need to learn in order to design what I need?

Steven

 

[adam_uk]

you will need a server side technology (for example asp and mssql or php and mysql)

then we can help you a bit more

 

[th0ts]

So, do I definitely have to have a server in order to do this?
I downloaded the apache 2.0 server & I now have php & mysql, but as for configuring the server and what to do next, im not too sure. Is it possible to have a website hosted by a company i found online like the others I have and still have a login & members area or do I have to use the server?
Thanks,

Steven

 

[axilant]

depends how much you want to spend... www.infrenion.com is a very good host.... just dont the domain through them incase you switch hosts. Buy a domain through namecheap.com. And then go get hosting. If you need a member area script in php/mysql I have a few member area scripts...