There is not a user usablity forum so I thought this might be the best place I am trying to make my site very user friendly i wanted our opinion on if i should use a login box or login link and where the best place to put it would be
Login box. As a general rule users are lazy and will hate having to click a link just to login. Most sites put them at the top in their header, or in the left menu. I don't think it matters which location you use, as long as it's easy to find usually is all that matters.
Log in box all the way. it is easier to notice than a link, and really meets the needs of the lazy internet users. It is also better for those on slow connections that dont want to load an extra page.