Instant Web Publishing and Security

[Daniel Shanahan]

I have a database that I would like to post on-line as a "read-only" file. I know Web Companion offers a "Search Only" option. However, the screen format is less than attractive and hardly user-friendly. I'd like to use one of the "cascading" screens (Lavender), which looks much nicer and is easier to use. Unfortunately, "New Record, Edit Record, and Delete Record" are listed on the side bar. I don't want the user to have access to these commands.

It was my understanding that the db's Access Privileges would prevent users from changing the db. In fact, Steven Schwartz writes in FileMakerPro5 Bible: "Those who use Web Publishing...can protect their published databases by setting access privileges within FileMaker Pro 5" (p. 595).

Yet, when I set those privileges (which worked on the computer where the database is housed), I am still not limited in my Editing/Deleting/Adding of records on the web (even though those options were removed in the privileges dialog box). That is, I opened the db w/out a password, providing limited accessibility. Yet, I seem to have full accessibility on the web.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Garry Claridge]

I suggest using Custom Web Publishing (CWP). You will be able to achieve what you desire using CWP and the "Web Security" database.

All the best.

Garry

[Steve T.]

Hi, Shanahan! I agree w/garrrycl and suggest Custom Web Publishing and the Web Security Database, but if you're stuck in Instant Web Publishing (which I haven't really used), I remember reading that Access Privileges are supposed to be in effect (as you indicated). Try with another layout other than lavendar and see.

There's a helpful PDF installed with FileMaker Pro. Look for Web Security.pdf or something similar inside the FMP folder (maybe in the Web folder of the FMP folder or Web Security folder). It talks about lots of things, including Instant Web Publishing settings.

I hope this helps!

[Bob White]

You can't have it both ways. You must open from the web using a password in order to control which commands appear in the sidebar. If you use a password for access, the commands will disappear from the side bar according to whatever privileges are set for the password.

It doesn't have anything to do with whether you are using lavender or any of the other themes.

Unless this is a case where a specific group of users can be provided with the password, you probably need to build your solution with custom publishing.