Tom Archer illustrates step-by-step instructions for using the .NET DataReader class to read image data from a database, and he presents a generic function that will write this data to disk.

For situations when a company doesn't want the responsibility of maintaining a user password file, Tom Archer presents a mechanism that stores and uses the hash codes of passwords instead of the actual passwords to validate users.

For those who don't have the desire or time to become experts on Windows security, follow this demonstration of using various .NET classes to test for a user's inclusion in one or more security groups.

Learn how to retrieve a current user's basic security information, such as the fully qualified user name (with domain or workgroup), whether the user is authenticated, and the authentication type.

Learn how the StackTrace class makes your debugging life a bit easier by enabling you to retrieve full call stack information.

Tom Archer illustrates the steps necessary to programmatically monitor your system's event log from a Managed C++ application. Monitoring certain event logs—especially the Security log—enables you to keep tabs on such security-related events as failed login attempts and port scans.