Using MGI In the Using MGI section, you will learn how to use MGI in your web site by following step-by-step instructions for typical MGI functions such as displaying banner ads, processing forms to email, searching databases, and shopping online. You will begin using MGI immediately without memorizing every option of an MGI tag. Read the Using MGI section to get started using MGI or to review a typical MGI function. The functions below are organized loosely by complexity with the simple functions at the top of the list and more complex functions at the bottom of the list. If you are a new MGI user, we suggest that you start with the simple functions and try more complex functions as you gain experience with using MGI. However, depending on the amount of time you can spend learning MGI and your goals for using MGI, you may want to start with the function that is most useful to you. Most examples do not assume that you have previous knowledge of MGI. Displaying Page Counters Learn how to display text and graphic counters on your web site. Learn advanced counter techniques including counter administration, custom counter graphics and hidden counters. Processing Form Submissions Learn how to send an email that contains information from a form submission. Learn advanced form processing techniques including verifying information in form fields, sending email attachments and sending encrypted emails. Collecting Guestbook Entries Learn how to collect, format and display visitors' comments and information in a guestbook. Learn advanced guestbook techniques including database-driven guestbooks. Displaying Banner Ads Learn how to schedule and display banner ads using a web-based interface. Learn advanced banner ad functions such as displaying client statistics. HTTP File Upload Learn how to upload files via HTTP file upload. Password Protecting Pages (Authentication) Learn how to password protect pages with a single username and password or via IP number. Learn advanced authentication techniques including using multiple usernames and passwords with user groups, importing and exporting authentication data, and form administration of usernames and passwords (adding, deleting, and verifying usernames, changing passwords, and sending "forgotten" passwords). Administering Polls and Surveys Learn how to collect and display survey information. Learn advanced poll techniques including custom results. Administering Online Quizzes Learn how to create, grade and manage online quizzes. Learn advanced quiz techniques including custom quiz grading. Embedding MGI Tags Learn how to embed one MGI tag within another MGI tag. Learn advanced embedding techniques including multiple embedded tags using variables. Using Variables Learn how to set and display temporary page variables and database-driven site variables. Using If, Then, Else Comparisons Learn how to make simple inline and regular if, then, else comparisons. Learn advanced conditional comparison techniques such as nested if statements. Creating and Populating Databases Learn how to create, modify, and delete databases, fields, and records. Learn advanced functions such as importing and exporting and advanced string searches. Searching Databases and Displaying Results Learn how to search a database and display a list of results that match the search criteria. Shopping Online Learn how to integrate a shopping basket system with hard-coded products and products displayed from a database search. Learn advanced online shopping techniques including tax and shipping rules, customizing the shopping basket display, encrypting orders, implementing inventory control, and authorizing credit cards via Accesspoint. Using ODBC Databases Learn guidelines for ODBC set up, tags that are affected by ODBC databases, and other isues that are specific to ODBC databases.