Well, because you mentioned Apache/Perl, I'm assuming you want to go with open source software? Here's what you need in general, all open source and free:
Apache HTTP Server - Used for hosting HTML pages.
PHP/Perl - Binds with Apache in order to create web applications, like what you're trying to do with users (create/manager/etc.)
MySQL - Database to store user/web site information as well as to paths to the files you want users to download.
If you have MySQL and Apache set up, you can program the rest in Perl or PHP. I suggest you apply the correct rights on the files so not just anyone can download them. They'll need to create an account first in order to download them, or any way you prefer.
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a.k.a inscissor
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since Feb 2002