# User Registration & Login Guide

<div align="center">
  <img src="../logos/rustelo_dev-logo-h.svg" alt="RUSTELO" width="300" />
</div>

Welcome to the[Rustelo](/) Authentication Guide! This comprehensive guide will help you create your account, log in securely, and manage your authentication settings.

## 🎯 Overview

Rustelo provides a secure, user-friendly authentication system that protects your account while making it easy to access your content. Whether you're creating a new account or managing an existing one, this guide has you covered.

## 🚀 Getting Started

### Creating Your Account

#### Step 1: Navigate to Registration
1. Go to the[Rustelo](/) homepage
2. Click **"Sign Up"** or **"Create Account"**
3. You'll be taken to the registration page

#### Step 2: Fill Out Registration Form

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│         Create Your Account         │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Full Name: [________________]       │
│ Email:     [________________]       │
│ Username:  [________________]       │
│ Password:  [________________]       │
│ Confirm:   [________________]       │
│                                     │
│ □ I agree to the Terms of Service   │
│ □ Subscribe to newsletter (optional) │
│                                     │
│ [   Create Account   ]              │
│                                     │
│ Already have an account? Sign in    │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
```

#### Registration Fields Explained

**Full Name**
- Your display name throughout the application
- Can be changed later in profile settings
- Used for personalization and greetings

**Email Address**
- Must be unique and valid
- Used for login and account recovery
- Will receive verification email

**Username**
- Must be unique across all users
- Used for mentions and public profile URLs
- Can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores
- Cannot be changed after registration

**Password**
- Must meet security requirements
- At least 8 characters long
- Include uppercase and lowercase letters
- Include at least one number
- Include at least one special character

**Confirm Password**
- Must match your password exactly
- Prevents typing errors

#### Step 3: Password Strength Indicator

As you type your password, you'll see a strength indicator:

```
Password: [weak____strong]
✗ At least 8 characters
✗ Contains uppercase letter
✓ Contains lowercase letter
✗ Contains number
✗ Contains special character
```

**Password Tips:**
- Use a unique password not used elsewhere
- Consider using a password manager
- Avoid common words or personal information
- Mix letters, numbers, and symbols

#### Step 4: Agree to Terms
- Read the Terms of Service
- Check the agreement box
- Newsletter subscription is optional

#### Step 5: Complete Registration
1. Click **"Create Account"**
2. Check your email for verification
3. Click the verification link
4. Your account is now active!

### Email Verification

After registration, you'll receive an email like this:

```
Subject: Verify Your[Rustelo](/) Account

Hello [Your Name],

Welcome to Rustelo! Please click the link below to verify your email address:

[Verify Email Address]

This link expires in 24 hours. If you didn't create this account, please ignore this email.

Thanks,
The[Rustelo](/) Team
```

**Important Notes:**
- Check your spam folder if you don't see the email
- The verification link expires in 24 hours
- You can request a new verification email from the login page

## 🔐 Logging In

### Standard Login Process

#### Step 1: Navigate to Login
1. Go to the[Rustelo](/) homepage
2. Click **"Sign In"** or **"Login"**
3. You'll see the login form

#### Step 2: Enter Credentials

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│            Welcome Back             │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Email:    [________________]        │
│ Password: [________________]        │
│                                     │
│ □ Remember me                       │
│                                     │
│ [    Sign In    ]                   │
│                                     │
│ Forgot password? | Create account   │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
```

#### Login Options

**Email/Username**
- Enter your registered email address
- Or use your username
- Case-insensitive

**Password**
- Enter your account password
- Case-sensitive
- Use the exact password you created

**Remember Me**
- Stay logged in for 30 days
- Only use on trusted devices
- Automatically logs you out after inactivity

#### Step 3: Successful Login
After successful login, you'll be redirected to:
- Your dashboard (default)
- The page you were trying to access
- Your last visited page

### Login Troubleshooting

#### Common Login Issues

**"Invalid credentials" Error**
- Double-check email and password spelling
- Try typing instead of copy-pasting
- Check if Caps Lock is on
- Ensure you're using the correct email

**"Account not verified" Error**
- Check your email for verification link
- Click "Resend verification email"
- Check spam folder
- Contact support if still not received

**"Account locked" Error**
- Too many failed login attempts
- Account temporarily locked for security
- Wait 15 minutes and try again
- Use password reset if needed

**"Login session expired" Error**
- Your session timed out
- Click "Sign In" again
- Enter your credentials
- Check "Remember me" to stay logged in longer

## 🔑 Password Management

### Forgotten Password Recovery

#### Step 1: Request Password Reset
1. Go to the login page
2. Click **"Forgot password?"**
3. Enter your email address
4. Click **"Send Reset Link"**

#### Step 2: Check Your Email

```
Subject: Reset Your[Rustelo](/) Password

Hello [Your Name],

We received a request to reset your password. Click the link below to create a new password:

[Reset Password]

This link expires in 1 hour. If you didn't request this, please ignore this email.

Thanks,
The[Rustelo](/) Team
```

#### Step 3: Create New Password
1. Click the reset link in your email
2. Enter your new password
3. Confirm your new password
4. Click **"Update Password"**
5. You'll be automatically logged in

### Changing Your Password

#### While Logged In
1. Go to **Profile** > **Security Settings**
2. Click **"Change Password"**
3. Enter current password
4. Enter new password
5. Confirm new password
6. Click **"Update Password"**

#### Password Change Form

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│          Change Password            │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Current:  [________________]        │
│ New:      [________________]        │
│ Confirm:  [________________]        │
│                                     │
│ Password Strength: [████████░░] 80% │
│                                     │
│ [   Update Password   ]             │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
```

## 🛡️ Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

### What is 2FA?
Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring:
1. Something you know (password)
2. Something you have (phone/authenticator app)

### Setting Up 2FA

#### Step 1: Enable 2FA
1. Go to **Profile** > **Security Settings**
2. Find **"Two-Factor Authentication"**
3. Click **"Enable 2FA"**

#### Step 2: Choose Authentication Method

**Authenticator App (Recommended)**
- Google Authenticator
- Authy
- Microsoft Authenticator
- 1Password

**SMS Text Messages**
- Receive codes via text
- Requires phone number
- Less secure than authenticator apps

#### Step 3: Set Up Authenticator App
1. Download an authenticator app
2. Scan the QR code with your app
3. Enter the 6-digit code from your app
4. Save your backup codes
5. Click **"Enable 2FA"**

#### Step 4: Save Backup Codes
```
Your 2FA Backup Codes
Save these codes in a safe place!

1. 123456
2. 789012
3. 345678
4. 901234
5. 567890

Each code can only be used once.
```

**Important:**
- Store backup codes securely
- Each code works only once
- Use if you lose your phone
- Generate new codes periodically

### Using 2FA Login

#### With 2FA Enabled
1. Enter email and password
2. You'll see the 2FA prompt
3. Open your authenticator app
4. Enter the 6-digit code
5. Click **"Verify"**

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│      Two-Factor Authentication      │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Enter the code from your            │
│ authenticator app:                  │
│                                     │
│ Code: [______]                      │
│                                     │
│ [   Verify   ]                      │
│                                     │
│ Lost your device? Use backup code   │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
```

#### If You Lose Your Device
1. Click **"Lost your device?"**
2. Enter one of your backup codes
3. Click **"Verify"**
4. Set up 2FA again with new device

### Disabling 2FA
1. Go to **Profile** > **Security Settings**
2. Find **"Two-Factor Authentication"**
3. Click **"Disable 2FA"**
4. Enter your password to confirm
5. Enter 2FA code or backup code
6. Click **"Disable"**

## 📱 Device Management

### Viewing Connected Devices

Go to **Profile** > **Security Settings** > **Connected Devices**

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    Connected Devices                        │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 💻 Chrome on Windows                                        │
│    Current session • Last used: Now                        │
│    IP: 192.168.1.100 • Location: San Francisco, CA         │
│                                                             │
│ 📱 Safari on iPhone                                         │
│    Last used: 2 hours ago                                   │
│    IP: 10.0.0.50 • Location: San Francisco, CA             │
│    [Sign Out]                                               │
│                                                             │
│ 💻 Firefox on Mac                                           │
│    Last used: 3 days ago                                    │
│    IP: 192.168.1.102 • Location: San Francisco, CA         │
│    [Sign Out]                                               │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```

### Managing Devices
- **Current Session** - The device you're using now
- **Sign Out** - Remotely log out from other devices
- **Sign Out All** - Log out from all devices except current
- **Device Information** - Browser, OS, location, IP address

### Suspicious Activity
If you see unfamiliar devices:
1. Click **"Sign Out"** immediately
2. Change your password
3. Enable 2FA if not already active
4. Review recent account activity

## 🔒 Security Best Practices

### Account Security Checklist

#### Strong Authentication
- [ ] Use a unique, strong password
- [ ] Enable two-factor authentication
- [ ] Regularly update your password
- [ ] Use a password manager
- [ ] Don't share your credentials

#### Device Security
- [ ] Log out from public computers
- [ ] Don't save passwords on shared devices
- [ ] Use "Remember me" only on trusted devices
- [ ] Regularly review connected devices
- [ ] Keep your devices updated

#### Email Security
- [ ] Use a secure email provider
- [ ] Enable 2FA on your email account
- [ ] Don't forward authentication emails
- [ ] Check email regularly for security notifications
- [ ] Report suspicious emails

### Recognizing Phishing Attempts

**Red Flags:**
- Urgent requests for password/login
- Generic greetings ("Dear User")
- Suspicious sender addresses
- Links to unfamiliar domains
- Spelling and grammar errors
- Requests for personal information

**Always:**
- Type the URL directly in your browser
- Check the sender's email address
- Hover over links to see destinations
- Contact support if unsure
- Report suspicious emails

### Account Recovery Tips

**Prepare for Recovery:**
- Keep email account secure
- Save backup codes safely
- Update recovery information
- Note down your username
- Keep contact information current

**If Locked Out:**
1. Try password reset first
2. Use backup codes if 2FA enabled
3. Contact support with account details
4. Provide proof of identity if required

## 🎯 Profile & Account Settings

### Account Information
- **Full Name** - Your display name
- **Email** - Login email (requires verification to change)
- **Username** - Unique identifier (cannot be changed)
- **Joined Date** - When you created your account
- **Last Login** - Your most recent login time

### Privacy Settings
- **Profile Visibility** - Who can see your profile
- **Email Visibility** - Show/hide email address
- **Activity Status** - Show when you're online
- **Search Visibility** - Allow others to find you

### Notification Preferences
- **Email Notifications** - Security alerts, updates
- **Login Notifications** - New device alerts
- **Security Notifications** - Suspicious activity alerts
- **Newsletter** - Product updates and news

## 🔍 Login History & Activity

### Viewing Login History

Go to **Profile** > **Security Settings** > **Login History**

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                      Login History                          │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ ✅ Successful login                                         │
│    Today at 2:30 PM • Chrome on Windows                    │
│    IP: 192.168.1.100 • San Francisco, CA                   │
│                                                             │
│ ✅ Successful login                                         │
│    Yesterday at 9:15 AM • Safari on iPhone                 │
│    IP: 10.0.0.50 • San Francisco, CA                       │
│                                                             │
│ ❌ Failed login attempt                                     │
│    2 days ago at 3:45 AM • Unknown browser                 │
│    IP: 203.0.113.1 • Unknown location                      │
│                                                             │
│ ✅ Password changed                                         │
│    1 week ago at 11:22 AM • Chrome on Windows              │
│    IP: 192.168.1.100 • San Francisco, CA                   │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```

### Activity Monitoring
- **Successful Logins** - Normal access to your account
- **Failed Attempts** - Someone tried to access your account
- **Password Changes** - When you updated your password
- **2FA Changes** - When you modified 2FA settings
- **Device Management** - Adding/removing devices

### Security Alerts
You'll receive emails for:
- New device logins
- Multiple failed login attempts
- Password changes
- 2FA modifications
- Suspicious activity

## 🛠️ Troubleshooting Authentication

### Common Issues & Solutions

#### Email Verification Problems
**Issue:** Verification email not received
**Solutions:**
1. Check spam/junk folders
2. Add noreply@rustelo.com to contacts
3. Wait 5-10 minutes for delivery
4. Request new verification email
5. Try different email address

#### 2FA Code Issues
**Issue:** 2FA codes not working
**Solutions:**
1. Check device time is correct
2. Try the next code generated
3. Use backup codes
4. Resync authenticator app
5. Disable and re-enable 2FA

#### Browser-Specific Issues
**Issue:** Login not working in browser
**Solutions:**
1. Clear browser cache and cookies
2. Disable browser extensions
3. Try incognito/private mode
4. Update browser to latest version
5. Try different browser

#### Mobile Login Issues
**Issue:** Can't login on mobile
**Solutions:**
1. Check internet connection
2. Update mobile browser
3. Try desktop site option
4. Clear browser data
5. Restart device

### Getting Help

#### Self-Service Options
- **Password Reset** - Reset forgotten passwords
- **Resend Verification** - Get new verification email
- **Backup Codes** - Access with 2FA backup codes
- **Device Logout** - Remove suspicious devices

#### Contact Support
If you can't resolve login issues:
1. Go to the help center
2. Submit a support ticket
3. Include your username/email
4. Describe the problem clearly
5. Mention steps you've tried

**Support will ask for:**
- Your username or email
- Description of the problem
- Browser and device information
- Error messages you see
- Steps you've already tried

## 🎓 Authentication Tips

### For New Users
1. **Choose a Strong Password** - Use password manager
2. **Verify Email Quickly** - Check spam folder
3. **Enable 2FA Early** - Set up before you need it
4. **Save Backup Codes** - Store them securely
5. **Complete Profile** - Add recovery information

### For Regular Users
1. **Review Login History** - Check monthly
2. **Update Passwords** - Every 3-6 months
3. **Manage Devices** - Remove old devices
4. **Monitor Activity** - Watch for suspicious logins
5. **Keep Email Secure** - Protect your email account

### For Advanced Users
1. **Use Hardware Keys** - If supported
2. **Monitor IP Addresses** - Check for unusual locations
3. **Set Strong Recovery** - Multiple recovery options
4. **Regular Security Audits** - Monthly reviews
5. **Stay Informed** - Follow security best practices

## 🚨 Security Incident Response

### If Your Account is Compromised

#### Immediate Actions
1. **Change Password** - Use different device if possible
2. **Enable 2FA** - If not already enabled
3. **Log Out All Devices** - Remove attacker access
4. **Check Account Activity** - Review recent changes
5. **Contact Support** - Report the incident

#### Recovery Steps
1. **Secure Email Account** - Change email password
2. **Review Account Settings** - Check for unauthorized changes
3. **Check Connected Apps** - Remove suspicious connections
4. **Update Recovery Info** - Ensure you control recovery methods
5. **Monitor Activity** - Watch for continued suspicious activity

### Prevention Tips
- Never share your login credentials
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Enable 2FA on all accounts
- Keep devices and browsers updated
- Be cautious on public WiFi
- Log out from public computers

## 📚 Next Steps

Now that you understand authentication, explore:

1. **[User Interface Guide](./interface.md)** - Navigate the application
2. **[Profile Management](./profile.md)** - Customize your account
3. **[Content Management](./content.md)** - Create and manage content
4. **[Media Management](./media.md)** - Handle files and images
5. **[Features Overview](./features/)** - Discover all features

## 🎉 Conclusion

Rustelo's authentication system is designed to keep your account secure while making it easy to access your content. By following the practices in this guide, you'll have a secure, well-managed account.

Remember to:
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Regularly review your account activity
- Keep your recovery information updated
- Contact support if you need help

**Stay secure and enjoy using Rustelo!** 🔐✨