Host OS: Windows Server 2003 x64

.NET Version: .NET 3.5

Errors: No Error

http://acesanime.com/forum 

Installation Issues: No Installation Issues

Okay, now that' I've gotten that out of the way...

I'm setting up a website that will require sitewide membership authentication for certain access and features. I'm trying to make the accounts used for YAF the same as those used throughout the rest of the site. I'd like to keep the users all in the same database if possible. I'm new to ASP.NET but I've read up on ASP.NET Forms Authentication, Roles, etc, as well as spent time hunting through the YAF wiki, support forums, and the like for ways to accomplish this.

The good news is that the forum works fine, plus it's a brand new site/forum, so I can wipe clean any accounts that have been created. I don't want to dive right into creating an integration system without knowing what I'm doing. From what I've gathered I can do one of 3 things(I may be wrong here:

1. Make two tables in SQL, one for YAF, one for the site,and have them sync with each other.

2. Make the site use custom login scripting to access the existing YAF user SQL table.

3. Convert YAF to use standard ASP.NET User Authentication, if that is even possible.

Like I said I'm new to this process, and I want to do it in the most efficient manner. After I get things setup with the memberships I'm looking at modifying some code within YAF to allow for additional membership properties, such as additional Instant Messenger link options(myspace IM, etc), as well as additional URL listings(facebook profile link, myspace profile link, other community sites). Down the road I may even escalate to incorporating some of the site features into the forum for user statistics and whatnot. A lot of this depends on my own ability and how much these modifications break the forums(always backup D:).

I just need a little advice on which direction to look towards, maybe some links on how to take said approach, and a little patience as I figure this all out. I appreciate the YAF community's support, and the YAF devs for making such an awesome forum system. Thanks.