Database or copy&paste

I have 2 sites which are in need of some kinda of database. on the site i need to be able to allow a customer to log in to there workspace, post and remove there articles. I also need to be able to manage the customers space and be able to disable or remove an account. There is only going to be about 25 customers.

I have no knowledge of database design or programming, Just network administration tcp/ip dns some HTML and Flash. I have just stuck to networks and related for 10 years. All things which help me 0% with this.

I just really need to know what software, o/s, server, ect. i need to learn to be able to complete this site. As we'll as a book, site or anything that can get me going in the right direction. i have all the time in the world to learn what i need, i just cant find any information out to get me started. This is the first task i have not been able to just google.

Thx in advance....

Hmm... searching for web/database programming in Google will reveal literally millions of links. What exactly have you searched for in Google?

Anyway, there is no one set operating system or software you need for this. There are many, many tools out there, and it really depends more on your personal taste than any complex list of pros & cons I could give you. (The pros and cons are discussed in detail all over this forum, as well as www.tek-tips.com, Slashdot, and any other of a thousand tech community websites).

In my opinion, your best bet is to start with PHP for programming and MySQL for your database, which will run pretty much the same on your home Windows or Mac desktop, as well as on a Windows or Linux webserver. MySQL is not for "serious" database projects, but it will probably do what you need for now, and it is fairly easy to learn. PHP and MySQL hosting is available just about everywhere. Or, if you are more centered on a Windows environment, then you might consider PHP with Access for a database system.

That actually gives me more information than I have had before. What I meant by “This is the first task I have not been able to just google.” Is that I didn’t know what I was looking for. Normally when I need to find something out I know where the problem is and just need help with a solution. “Web site database, sql, access, and other keyword searches got me lost, and side tracked. I appreciate the information and hope it can get me going on the right track.