I want to create a website a website with a user database and user specific information. I am pretty good with php and mySQL but a little rusty (haven't used it in a few years) so I could use a little help.

Basically, I need help with a user login system and how to lock files. Probably someone pointing me to a tutorial on how to write a secure login system would be the best thing for that portion.

Also (more importantly), I want to know what is the best database storage system schematic for saving user specific information. For example like a profile, a php page that when a user logs in will say welcome username, and like your interests are ...(what they have previously entered as an interest).

I am sure this is pretty common stuff but I can't really find any good tutorials so if you could point me in the right direction or just give me a general overview, that would be very much appreciated.