simple enquiry form

[dbh_21]

hi, i am creating my first html site and would like to know the easiest way to make an equiry for work. i am told i need to use php. i dont really even know why so could you please explain thoroughly... my enquiry form is here: http://www.nickfordyoung.com/doitwithxs/enquiries.htm
any other advice for the site is much appreciated

thankyou in advance

[ukgeoff]

Your link is returning a 'server not found' message.

Gives us a link that works and then I will be happy to explain the ins and outs of why php to you.

[dbh_21]

sorry bout that:

www.nickfordyoung.com/doitwithxs/enquiries.htm

that should work

[ukgeoff]

First things first, you do not have any validationon your form which leaves it wide open to the tiny minded hackers of this world.

In your code, your form element has a target= attribute. There's no such attribute associated with the form element.

Your form is currently set to be processed by a file called FormMail.cgi. As you have it, this file needs to exist in the same directory as the form page. FormMail.cgi requires a number of values, held in 'hidden' input fields to work properly (the way you would expect / want). I can't remember what they all are off the top of my head but you could easily look them up.

The problem with this particular mail processing file is that its code and its weaknesses are well known which could make it vulnerable.

Also, as far as recall, this processing makes no allowance for and has no capability to accomodate 'sticky' data. By that I mean that should your form not have all its mandatory fields completed, then it cannot take you back to the form with the data that has been completed still in place. This is very irritating for the end user.

A better way is to go the php route but you need to have some idea of what you are doing and understanding of the code involved.

I would suggest you work through an article and its associated files that I wrote. Whilst the form fields you require will be different, it will give you a good grounding in what you need to understand. You can then come back and ask for clarification when and if you need it.

Download the files under 'Fighting back against spam' at: http://1ontheweb.net/1ontheweblog.html

On a completely different tack. Your pages need to centre better within the viewing area. AT the moment they are off to the right. You also need to validate your page(s) as they have numerous errors.