Database Reference
In-Depth Information
stability and crashing or locking. If the host computer crashes or locks, everybody con-
nected to the host will, too. Computer crashes while databases are open are not just in-
convenient; they're dangerous because each crash can introduce corruption into the data-
base.
▪ A slightly safer alternative is a dedicated host. That's a computer that nobody uses as an
everyday machine. It's set up just to share files. But there's a danger lurking here, too.
Contrary to what most people assume, the database file should never be shared using the
computer operating system's sharing methods. Instead, a copy of FileMaker Pro should
be installed on the dedicated host and then FileMaker Pro opens the file and handles the
sharing for the other five users. This setup is safer, but there's still no crash protection.
Furthermore, open databases must never be copied, either manually or with an automated
backup system. Copying an open database is a formula for file corruption.
But if they're open on a host computer, you must also disconnect all the guests before
closing the files. This precaution makes midday backups safe but inconvenient.
FileMaker Pro is designed primarily for
using
databases, not hosting them. It does a decent
hosting job, but it simply wasn't built for speed or large numbers of simultaneous users. See
FileMaker Server
to learn about FileMaker Server, the Cadillac of FileMaker database shar-
ing.
Understanding the Open Remote File Dialog Box
The Open Remote File dialog box (File→Open Remote) has more tricks up its sleeve,
mostly geared toward folks with a lot of databases. If you're perfectly happy with the previ-
ous instructions, then you have permission to skip this section.
Choosing a Host Computer
When opening a remote file, you choose the host computer first. Above the Hosts list, the
View pop-up menu offers three choices:
▪ Choose
Local Hosts
, and FileMaker searches your local network and lists any host com-
puters it finds. This view is usually the easiest way to share files. You can see each com-
puter's name and IP address.
Unfortunately, the Local Hosts option has a few weaknesses. First, it can be a little slow,
which may drive you crazy if you can't stand to waste a single second. Worse, sometimes
FileMaker can't find the host you want, usually because the guest computer and the host
computer aren't on the same network (you might have a host computer at the office and
need to access it from home, for instance).
