windows authentication vs forms authentication

Question

I am trying to understand concepts of windows authentication, forms authentication and their differences. I am confused. Can someone help me in clarifying this.

Thanks.

Answer 1

It's pretty simple. Windows Authentication makes use of the Windows Login system. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_Windows_Authentication

And with Forms Authentication the user will need to provide a username and password manually. http://www.asp.net/web-forms/tutorials/security/introduction/an-overview-of-forms-authentication-vb

The Forms Authentication also allows you to choose where you access the login data from. It could for example be stored in your own local database. While Windows Authentication is only going to use your Windows login data. This data usually comes from Active Directory, if your network is built using an enterprise/buisness/domain setup. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_Directory