Web password protection tutorials?

[transylvanic]

Hey lads, I'm working on setting up a website just for the purpose of storing files and data online for easy access. What would you advise as the best method for username/password authentication?

http://www.build-your-website.co.uk/...-Web-Pages.htm

I've looked at the above and can say the server-based password protection would be probably be best, as there are only likely to be a couple of accounts.

There's also the issue of password-protecting not only particular pages but the files themselves. In other words, I want to protect www.uber.com/porn.htm, as well as www.uber.com/porn/jenna.avi

Any help is much appreciated.

[finlay666]

For a start does your server hosting it support it?

If so google is your friend

[transylvanic]

Well, haven't chosen a hosting service yet. First I need to figure out what requirements I am going to have

Edit: I understand web hosts also offer password protection for directories as part of their control panels. Any recommendations of good hosts who do this?

[sadbuttrue]

For the server side method, you simply need the ability to create a .htaccess file and provide it with a .htpasswd file. Most providers will give you this option. Here's a quick and simple tutorial, without the need to use a control panel:

http://www.addedbytes.com/apache/pas...with-htaccess/

[Saracen]

And, personally, I'd only ever consider uploading such files for storage if they were properly and thoroughly encrypted before they left my PC, if the data in them is at all sensitive.

[Mblaster]

And, personally, I'd only ever consider uploading such files for storage if they were properly and thoroughly encrypted before they left my PC, if the data in them is at all sensitive.

From his examples it doesn't seem to be that sensitive, unless there's a www.uber.com/porn/transylvanic.avi

If you're only storing files, not hosting a web page have you thought about getting an FTP server instead?

[transylvanic]

If you're only storing files, not hosting a web page have you thought about getting an FTP server instead?

Yea, but the purpose is to be able to share photos and videos with clients. Thus, the password thing is just to limit who has access, but it also needs to remain intuitive for the less computer literate.

p.s. - I am not operating a porn website!!

[mmh]

ftp server will fit the bill then...

modern day browsers let you browse and download ftp and the access is determined by login...

plus you cans end them links ie. ftp://uber.com/yourfiles

and it will prompt them a login screen...

[Pob255]

A good ftp site would be fine, as mmh said.
It's all drag and drop like a normal windows file screen. and each folder/section can have user name&password access levels
For password/encryption of individual files, depends on the file, easiest way is zip or rar everything with passwords on them.