database and password manager 1

[JillC]

I have a client who has asked for help with her self-managed website. She has a passworded folder with files to be downloaded. She wants to be able to add a mark when a user has downloaded that file. Ideally each user should be able to have an individualised set of files is their list. So I think I need to be looking at a flat file database and a password manager. The website is hosted on a site which permits CGI scripts and nothing else. It would be nice if there was a ready-made solution. Can you help?

 

[tviman]

Probably not a ready made script(s) available so you'd have to write your own. However, if the host allows CGI and nothing else, you're going to have a particularly tough time as it's doubtful that you'llbe able to write to a flat file without upsetting the hosting company. Additionally, you'll find that there is a minimal set of perl modules installed and this will only add to your frustrations. Maybe an easier solution would be to create an email script that sends an email to your client whenever there is a download???

There's always a better way. The fun is trying to find it!

 

[JillC]

Well, I'm not about to write my own. But thanks for the feedback tviman.

 

[PaulTEG]

Another possibility is to have a number of flat files, one for every one in the audience, that way you can manage each customer atomically.

customerid.dat
===========
password (in crypted form if you wish)
download history
[EOF]

A large single file could possibly be a nightmare on a busy site, with a view to flocking the file, and synchronous accesses

HTH
--Paul

It's important in life to always strike a happy medium, so if you see someone with a crystal ball, and a smile on their face ... smack the fecker