If you are interested in learning more about user authentication, I suggest the links below. You will find many more advanced uses of this convenient method of security for your website. These links are primarily for use with the Apache HTTP Server, although some of the features are cross-platform.

Apache Week feature on User Authentication

a variation of the tutorial you have been using

mod_auth module

the specs on using text-based authentication files

Apache Week feature on DBM User Authentication

alternative to text-based authentication for large numbers of users

mod_auth_dbm module

the specs on DBM authentication

ErrorDocument directive

allows you to change server error messages

If this tutorial has helped you or if you have suggestions for how I can improve it, please let me know by filling out the form below or by emailing me.