I need a leg up on using Access over the internet

J

Jimbo

I have some experience with Access, I've created several usuable
databases. My main concern is I have need now for a database to be
updated over a small LAN and also be available for use over the
internet. Basically it's just to be a list of customers, their billing
info and sort of an accounts receivable "lite". What would be an easy
way to set it up? Would PCAnywhere be the way to go or is there an
easier way? A static public IP is already assigned to the WinXP computer
that would be hosting it if that helps. My version of Office is 2000.
 
A

Arvin Meyer

PCAnywhere listens on ports known to hackers. They have pinging utilities
which test systems for a PCAnywhere response and provide a method to hack
into a computer. I prefer VNC:

http://www.realvnc.com/download.html

which is a free utility developed at AT&T in the UK. It's main advantage is
that it is very small and can be installed (and uninstalled) in a minute or
two. There is no way to ping something which isn't there.

For light usage, you also might consider using Windows Terminal Services if
your server is Win 2000 or later and your client OS are Win 2K or XP
(Earlier systems are possible but difficult). All you need to do is allow
remote connection. Right-click on My Computer, choose Properties, then the
Remote tab, and turn on the Remote Desktop on the target machine.

To start a session: Start ... Run, then type: mstsc.exe

Heavier usage will require a web application. I've successfully built both
intranet and Internet Access/ASP applications. Neither will withstand
constant heavy usage, but will stand up nicely to an even amount of usage by
up to 10 or 12 users, and in read-only, much greater numbers.
--
Arvin Meyer, MCP, MVP
Microsoft Access
Free Access downloads:
http://www.datastrat.com
http://www.mvps.org/access
 
D

Doug Munich

PC Anywhere should do the job. Your alternative is probably to add a web
server like Personal Web Services, and some web (active server) pages to
allow access from the internet, but PC Anywhere is relatively cheap, simple,
and more secure. The only downside is that only one remote user can get in
at any one time.

Doug
 
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