I have 3 web domain names and the unlimited hosting package. I need to allow three groups access to three different websites I have created, and each userid and pw must be unique... Also,I do not want access to these using http so the general public do not stumble on them as they are private websites being used like a company intranet. Also, Group C only has access to group C, Group B has access to both Group B and C, and Group A has access to all three groups.

I was told that I can use ftp to accomplish this. I assume I have a splash page in ftp://htdocs/groupA, with a hyperlink to the actual website in ftp://htdocs/GroupA/GroupAWebsite, which would trigger the "enter userid and password" which I would have setup in account manager, one by one...yikes!

Not sure if this is how to go about this? and not having much luck with experimenting, of course I am also under the gun! so any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!
TIA,
Billiam

Although you can set up an unlimited number of FTP users you will still be limited to only 10 secure users for web access using the tools available in your Account Manager. Since you're developing websites for others to visit the FTP option won't work anyway. FTP gives access to the files but doesn't display them in a browser. FTP access is given to others when you just want to share files similar to having a shared drive on your network.

If you're on a Linux nsHosting package you can exceed the 10 user limit by managing the .htaccess and .access.pwd files yourself but that's not an efficient method and requires proficiency working with these files.

This is a task best accomplished with PHP or ASP scripting, depending on your development skills and preference, with users maintained in a database, access control limits managed through sessions, user management, password recovery options, etc. It's how most sites that require a login do it. Obviously it can be done but does require development skills.

Have you considered our new Microsoft Sharepoint hosting? This may be a better option and may be more suited to your task.

Wow, that really is a huge drag as I have now wasted so much time because of the bad advice I received from several calls to Network Solutions® staff. I do apprecate it VERY much that I have been set on the right path...Thank you very much for that.

As to Sharepoint, can I have three seperate secured areas...user level access, unique userids and passwords and a newsgroup?
Looking at the packages, they do not seem to have as much storage space as I might require...

As to my development skills, they are VERY limited...I am a newbie. Currently, I use Access 2007 for a database, and so I suspect the ASP to be the natural route to use, but I doubt I have the time to learn it and get everything done I need to....and I am not sure of the Security level it would provide?

By any chance is there a good reliable program for sale that I can just install...this would be a huge relief as I am completely buried in work projects?

Thanks again for your help!

Billiam

Found the answer...a terrific little program called Access Manager from www.coffeecup.com...only $32, and SOOOOOO easily installed and configured...if only I had found it sooner! BTW, the $32 allows for 3 computer installation Licences! (IMG:http://forums.networksolutions.com/style_emoticons/default/clap.gif)

Billiam