Hey there people, just need somewhere simple to start on this one.

Basically I have a database. There is a users table containing simple info (email, password, login, real name, age, IP info, and creation date). What I want to do is safely send that login around the various user pages without using only a simple form/$_POST deal.

I suspect sessions are required, but I fail to understand how they work. This logging in deal is not for preferences, it is only to temporarily store the user name so it can be used by thje pages for bringing up pofiles and the like.

Suggestions, tutorials, slaps around the head, all appreciated.