using require or include?

i have made a page (overall.php) in which several elements are defined: the connection with the database a function called session_checker to check if users are logged in and a last function(function getuserinfo()) that substracts values from the database based on the session variables of the logged in user Now this last function sets 2 variables eg. $username=$row['user_name']; $userstatus=$row['user_status']; like this i do not have to recall this script on every page but i just can do the function at the top of every page Now on every page of my site I require this file require(overall.php); But it seems that i cannot get the variables outta this file. So i can not use $username or $userstatus on the pages. I think it has something to do with require not passing the variables? Off course i can repeat the function script on the top of every page, but that's stupid i think. Can i use a include without any problems? Or is there a significant difference in use and security? Thx in advance Reinhart _____ Reinhart Viane <mailto:rv@domos.be> rv@domos.be Domos || D-Studio Graaf Van Egmontstraat 15/3 -- B 2800 Mechelen -- tel +32 15 44 89 01 -- fax +32 15 43 25 26 STRICTLY PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL This message may contain confidential and proprietary material for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient please contact the sender and delete all copies.