Crash course Networking 7

[LaRetta]

Instead of networking 10/1 (when Server 7 is purchased and the new 7 design will be ready), we need to be networked Monday morning. Only 5 systems (7's limit), peer-to-peer (?). This is temp fix just to consolidate 15 Act dbs so sales can clean up their Act (pun intended) in preparation of the new program.

Yesterday, I knew nothing about networking FM; today after a 20-hour study-stint I'm dangerous. My home system is not networked so I can't even test to see what it looks and acts like. Vaughan's Opener demo and posts have been invaluable. With my head swimming with information, I have a few questions because some of the various bits of information (and posts) seem to conflict with each other. Can I get some final input, please?

1) Is it true that I should put my files on a regular computer and not our network server? Vaughan's info sounded clear on that but I've read so much conflicting info that I want to be sure I'm not misunderstanding this, as it seems really important.

2) This is a vs. 6 conversion so there are still 5 files. Do I need to set each one to Share, even though they will be accessed only from Main via my scripts (go to invoice, print, return) or editing lineitems portal)?

3) Checkbox 'Don't Display in Open Remote'. I wouldn't think this matters (since I'll be using Opener files) but I'm concerned that someone might open this and try to access the files. Should I select every file and set them all to don't display in Open Remote?

4) I will not Password Protect the Opener file but will the Main file. What do I do with the other files? Set their Passwords the same as Main in case staff tries to get into them?

5) It is best if the computer hosting only hosts, right? If it needs to be used as low-use emergency system that's okay, as long as they use an Opener file like everyone else. Never open as Host and start working as a User, right?

6) Max 5 concurrent users? So I could have it on 7 systems as long as only 5 are on at one time? Should I use script to count how many are on at all times and provide protections? In other words, if 5 are on and a 6th tries, will it trash the db, dump a User or cause problems ... or will they simply not be able to open the Host file?

Other than these 6 things, it's all clear as a bell. Helping me through this would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I'm having a baby.

LaRetta

[The Shadow]

1) My opinion is that this is mainly a performance issue, the network server and filemaker server are both bandwidth heavy, so it helps if they don't have to share a network card.

2) Set them all to share.

3) Use "Don't Display" for all but your main file, that the opener will be using. There is no harm to anyone selecting that file directly, since its what the Opener would have done.

4) Password protect all files with the same usernames and passwords, they will be "trying to get in" as soon as you have a portal to them on one of your layouts.

5) Again, a performance issue, and it lessens the chance of someone crashing the server.

6) It causes no harm for the sixth person to try getting in, they get an error message.

Even with no "network", you can test "hosting" with a single copy of FM7. Setup the file as shared, then, using your running copy, you can open the file "remotely" from the same machine. This passes through your machine's "loopback" address. So, you can have the same file open as two different users, even with no real network available.

[LaRetta]

I can't thank you enough for taking the time to respond so thorougly.

You have answered every question, calmed my fears and eased my mind; and I actually feel I'm going to survive this new experience.

LaRetta