Password Authentication For Web Changes Problem

[Celeryman]

Hi guys, I am relatively new to web scripting languages and need to figure out a script that would make it easy for a remote user to login to my Apache Webserver (Redhat 8.0) via a web browser and make a simple selection. The selection would be choices on what the front page should read after submitting the changes. I don't want them to be able to login to the server command line just make changes from this password protected page (Make it as non - technical as possible). I have Perl 5.8 installed but no other modules except the default are installed on my server. I can do the html part but need help with the scripting and password authentication. I would prefer to use perl but would consider PHP or something similiar if need be. Thanks.