I have 3 computers on an PC (new Dells) ethernet network 100T with one computer as a dedicated FMP host and the other two computers sharing files from the host. The operation of FMP 5.5 slows tremendously with TCP/IP.

What can I do to speed network access other than going to FMP Server? I shouldn't need server yet right?

Are you comparing networked speed to the speed it has when running from the local hard disk? Access through network is always significantly slower, even on the fastest network, because networks are significantly slower than the bus between CPU and hard disk.

FM Server may speed things up. So will other techniques like simplifying layouts (not using bit-mapped graphics etc).

Is file sharing turned off on the host?

When starting out in FMP, I thought running a dbase didn't need server unless you approach having 10 computers. I have only 3 on the network with one as the host, but have resorted to FMP server. Works well with server.

I suppose "speed" is a very subjective matter.

Consider a snail - to him a tortoise is fast !

Although FMI reckon that FMP as a host is OK for upto 10 users this is made without reference to the complexity of the setup, nor how frequently the "host" is being hit. But certainly FMS is the answer.

I think you missed the most import point in Vaughan's post. There is a speed difference of between 30-60 to 1 between files accessed on a local hard drive and files accessed over a network. I had a script for a biotech client that ran in under a second on a single user setup. The time went to over a minute using FM Server over a network.

FM Server will not solve your problem. IT'S THE NETWORK SPEED!

Your only option is the rewrite an optimize the best you can. The big advantage of server for a few users is the multi-threading. In your setup, if a user hits a pause in a script, everyone is stopped. In server, all users can run the script at the same time without interference.

-bd