Please be gentle - beginer help

[johnrh]

First the ownup: I have virtually zero understanding of web publishing.

I have a fairly small runtime database that I need a few people to be able to edit online. Several people need to be able to edit the different fields in the same record.

I access the internet through an ISP and a modem and so do the other users - all different ISP's

I have no idea where to start or how to publish it so that the users can get to the data.

So if anyone feels like taking pity on a total novice then please give some advice in VERY simple terms. I would be REALLY grateful.

Thanks

[Garry Claridge]

I don't think the "Runtime" databases are able to be accessed by a network.

Good Luck.

Garry

[Anatoli]

First -- you need ISP who is hosting FileMaker.

Then you can move from Runtime to full version and maybe you'll be OK with Instant publishing, which is very limited but cheap.

Or you have to go with CDML language and skilled programmer and that will be not cheap.

RE: Several people need to be able to edit the different fields in the same record.

It can be done with extra work in CDML.

And yes, Garry is right, forget about Runtime.

[Steve T.]

Hmm...

I have no idea what a runtime database is but FileMaker Pro is a powerful but easy-to-use database that you should be able to use instead. If you decide you want to host/serve the database from your house using FMP instead of finding a host as Anatoli advises, you'll need to do this...

(1) get fastest internet connection you can afford (dsl/cable minimum) with static IP address (unchanging)

(2) get FileMaker Pro, Unlimited on decent computer

(3) create your database

(4) create your web pages w/CDML or use instant web publishing

(5) publish your db and leave FMP-u running w/db's open

If you want something like www.johnrh.com or something, you'll have to register the domain and find someone to host the DNS (unless you do that yourself, too).

As you can see, it can be a big undertaking. If you're saying, "COOL" to yourself right now then that's a good sign you're on your way to being a "web guy". If you're saying "OH MY GOODNESS!" then it may be better to hire/rent space or people. There are some who use/advertise their services on this forum (I'm not one of them) who could help you.

Hope this overview helps.