file sharing

[nopposan]

Hi. It could be there's a better forum to post this question to, but I had a hard time finding any. This isn't only about security, but security plays a role.

I'd like to know more about how to best share filemaker files. I got an error message saying that I should not share a file directly from a remote volume because it will reduce performance and affect reliability. It says I should, "instead share the file by opening it in FileMaker Pro software on the same computer where the file is stored on disk. You can then open the file remotely from your computer using the Open Remote command."

So, it sounds like I should keep my working copy of the database I'm designing on my hard drive and share it with others from there for now. Yes? Would FileMaker Server be a better option? Folks here are understandably concerned about too many copies of this data on too many hard drives.

If you would like to just point me to a useful beginners tutorial on this, please do. 'Meanwhile, I'll look up "Open Remote" in the help index.

Thanks.

[Fitch]

FileMaker Server is ALWAYS the best option for sharing FileMaker databases.

Always.

Share from your own computer if you must, but whatever you do, never EVER share a FileMaker file using OS-based file sharing -- putting a database in a shared directory is a fast track to file corruption. The only way you should ever share it is using the Sharing menu options (e.g. FileMaker Network...) and other users will use Open Remote to access it.

[nopposan]

O.K., thank you. 'Love that the flying pig avatar.

Dare I ask this next question? I'm sure it reveals my lack of reading . . . actually I can't find a manual for FileMaker Server here anyway. Well, here goes . . .

How do I transfer a database file I've created to the server?

'Cringing and really hoping not to be flamebate.

Peace.

[AudioFreak]

You'll find that rarely will anyone get flamed on these forums.

Here is a link where you can download the manual for Filemaker Server.

http://www.filemaker.com/support/product/documentation.html

Michael

[Fitch]

FileMaker Server 9 added a feature to upload files to the server. I'd recommend doing it that way vs. manually. Just click the Upload Database icon in the toolbar and off you go.

[nopposan]

Thanks folks.

I need to get myself an avatar. Way cool.

Anyway, I managed to find the server manual. It was "on display," in the cellar, in the bottom of a locked filing cabinet stuck in a disused lavatory with a sign on the door saying "Beware of the Leopard".

Well, actually, I just didn't do a very good job looking for it the first time.

Now the only trouble is that I can't access the server software itself as it's password protected and my boss, who gave me this assignment, hasn't given me the password yet.

Ho-hum.

[ulua]

I too am a newbie and this post seems the closest to my question - sorry.

I have FM Pro Server on OS X Server(single machine set-up), have uploaded my database and am able to connect to my file remotely. However, I am NOT able to link to my images and pdfs (stored as file references)

I try to link to the folder (with the images/pdfs) on the Server on my local computer w/out success.

I know I must be doing something really idiotic!

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

FM Pro Server 9 on OS X Server 10.5; client OS X Leopard,FM Pro 9

Edited June 1, 2008 by Guest

[IdealData]

When an FMP file is being shared - "hosted" we say here, either by FM Server or FM Pro, external file references are considered local to the client machine - not the server or "hosting" machine.

Originally you would have made the referenced files through a dialog box that would effectively create a pointer to the referenced file.

Now you have uploaded to FM Server the pointer is still there in it's original form but it's not looking in the right place because your computer is on the network as far as FMS is concerned, beforehand the file was local.

The only realistic way forward is to have all the referenced files become stored files through the same method you have used before, although it is possible to have the referenced files stored on a shared volume on the network - but there are many caveats and I'm not writing a book on the subject.