Hi, I've been coding in PHP for a while now, and every week I learn something new. I've decided to apply my new knowledge in creating a new version of my main site, which runs several different systems and a forum for one memberbase (One table of users basically). I am trying to figure out what user system would result in the greatest speed. The three problems I am trying to resolve is speed, user friendliness, and user security, and I am trying to find a balance between them. My current system uses a global file, and a sessionid that is passed through links and/or cookies, which is checked against the user table for validation purposes each time the user goes to a new page. To me, this is good security wise to check the table each time, but I'm sure its slowing things down. I know there is a $_SESSION variable that is more efficient than pulling a minimum of one query per page (even if its cached), but I am not so sure if its secure. Because my site has passed the 1000 member mark, and isn't a place where security is absolutely necessary (not like there are Social Security or Credit Card numbers are being tossed around, its just a fansite of a popular show), but speed is. Are there any suggestions that would give me the balance I am looking for?