My first BIG project.

[exiledgolem]

I have a couple questions starting off on something for my wife.

First my background though.

I have taken multiple web design classes. Never really used asp.net before. I have a pretty good understanding of c++ (main language, I have 3 books on c++, 1 as reference). Never really did any windows programming before but I have a really really good go fish program using STL which was my first really big C++ program using classes, functions, vectors, pointers, etc. I'm a little fuzzy because I took a little break but I'd say 6 months of programming experience. I've used MySql (college class) and Oracle. I feel comfortable with that.

As far as web stuff. The most complicated site I have created didn't need / use flash. A couple javascript things. I finally did dabble into java applets for like a week and realized it wasn't hard at all. I have another book on ASP.NET about creating a shop and all the measures for it.

So my questions...

My wife wants me to make a website for a blog for her. She doesn't want to use these "create-a-blog sites" because she wants her own domain. She wants a login (which I realize you most certainly need a database for... mysql) for members etc... She reviews books so... I just wanted to help her out.

So how should I go about doing a secure login for this sort of page? I kind of found a great website for advice. 16 must do things for a secure login using php script and mysql. I just don't know which language I should use / learn. I want something extremely professional for her and I know this will take a lot of time. I thought if I go the mysql route I need a dedicated server... which I don't have but could have but I also was thinking couldn't I just use like oracle and not have one? Sorry if that sounds stupid but I'm completely new to this and I kind of want to start now instead of when I actually set a server up.

Also, with all these new pages now with creative ideas... what ARE people using to create these amazing websites? ASP.NET? PHP? Just plain html w/ flash? Java included? I don't know.
I just want the BEST way for someone like me to go about doing things / learning things the proper way.


I REALLY REALLY would appreciate any insight on a lot of this and please don't skimp on any info. I really want to thank everyone in advance for any help. TY.