Mdb vs SQL Server

  • Thread starter Thread starter Andy Levy
  • Start date Start date
A

Andy Levy

Hi

I have an access 2000 database. It is currently and mdb file and just
contains the tables.

It sits on a computer on a home network with a NATS router between the
internet and my local network.

I have to allow three other users who are outside my local network to have
access to the mdb file. I dont have much money to spend on setting up a
windows 2003 terminal server etc - so i was wondering what my other options
are.
I currently have windows Me installed.

If i install Microsoft SQL Server - will that work ?
Is that the best option.

I have looked into other methods of allowing my other users to connect to my
database and they have all been no good.

1). VPN - i can't set WindowsME upas a vpn server
2) VNC - only shows a remote desktop - good, but eventually i want to
connect the data up to a webpage so a remote desktop view is no good - plus
it does not allow multiple logins.
3) Terminal services - same as 2) but also too expensive.
 
I have to allow three other users who are outside my local network to have
access to the mdb file. I dont have much money to spend on setting up a
windows 2003 terminal server etc - so i was wondering what my other options
are.
I currently have windows Me installed.

If i install Microsoft SQL Server - will that work ?
Is that the best option.
Click to expand...

SQL server will not install on a windows ME box. However, on the office cd
is a free version of sql server. It is the desktop edition of sql server,
and it comes with ms-access. (a2000 or later has this). So, in effect, you
do have a copy of sql server that comes with office. This in your case would
be the cheapest route. And, that free 100% compatible sql server engine does
install and work on win98, and winME boxes.
I have looked into other methods of allowing my other users to connect to my
database and they have all been no good.

1). VPN - i can't set WindowsME upas a vpn server
Click to expand...

Well, the other problem with a VPN is that it is too slow. Read the
following article of mine, as I do example a good number of solutions to
remote access to a database. Some solutions outlined will apply to you:

http://www.attcanada.net/~kallal.msn/Wan/Wans.html
2) VNC - only shows a remote desktop - good, but eventually i want to
connect the data up to a webpage so a remote desktop view is no good - plus
it does not allow multiple logins.
Click to expand...

VNC also has a number of annoying re-plot bugs...especially for
spreadsheets..and datasheets view. VNC is thus great for remote support, but
for users to run the applications with re-plot problems...I can't recommend
this for remote data entry etc. I tried both tight-VNC, and regular.VNC. As
mentioned..for use the desktop remote to check a few things it is fine..but
actually run applications...forget it...not even close to be useable with
those re-plot bugs (I tested this many times..and within about two minutes
of using..I found re-plot problems where the cell you are using has a
different value then where your cursor is...very bad for data entry!).
3) Terminal services - same as 2) but also too expensive.
Click to expand...

Terminal services is like VNC..but MUCH better.

As for cost? Well, actually with windows xp..it is now free!

You should note that windows XP now includes the remote desktop ability.
That means you can get to your desktop from any other computer that is
attached to the internet. And, the remote desktop support system is the SAME
protocol as windows terminal services. In fact, windows terminal services is
now built into windows XP. In other words, if you get windows xp, then you
get remote desktop for free! And, the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) runs
absolute circles around VNC in terms of bandwidth..and in terms of re-plot
problems. VNC uses a screen sweeper to look for graphics changes..where as
the RDP actually sends down real windows drawing commands. So, to draw a box
RDP sends down a VERY small command down the wire to DRAW the box (the same
windows API that any code will use). This is far better then something
trying to look at the whole screen and see what has changed. In fact, RDP
is even less bandwidth then a web page! So, if you were running windows XP,
you would get the best remote desktop money can buy for free!

The only zero cost route you have now without purchasing any software is to
use the free sql server engine on the office cd. That will work quite well
in your case..and you can continue to use ms-access as the front end.

You might also be able to use Internet server..and dish out web pages. It
has been sometime since I looked..but I do believe that the personal web
server did run on win98x boxes..but it has been some time since I looked.

And, if you had windows 2000 server, then you do get two free remote users.
Thus, terminal services in that case is free. (you can get two logons..and
can STILL use the windows 2000 server box while those users are logged on!).
After two users...you do have to start paying.

However, your stuff is a bit old..and so you don't quite have the options
that you get for free with newer versions of windows.

With all those new features...newer versions of windows are a real
bargain..and things you are asking for are included...
 
Thank you for such a great insight and help.

I am going to install the SQL Server Desktop Edition. If i open up a
Virtual Server port on my Router then i should be able to allow others to
have access to the database using the frontend.

Hopefully i won't need to make too many changes to the already very complex
front end.


Once again - thank you

Andy
 
And, while this is a bit sneaky...if you download the trial edition of sql
server, then you can install the enterprise manager.

Note that the sql server will NOT install on those win9x boxes..but the sql
server client tools do. This means you can use all of the way cool data
transformation tools (DTS). The DTS tools allow import and export of mdb
files. You can also get to use the Enterprise Manager to run, and manage sql
server (create queries..setup relations etc). These very nice tools also
work just fine with the MSDE..and even more incredible is that those client
tools do NOT expire (the sql server does...but you are not even using
that!).

So, basically, you can get all of the sql server tools for free..and can use
them with your desktop edition of sql server.

Those sql server tools are a great way to manage the MSDE system..and you
learn sql server tools also! Those tools are the same that corporate users
have...and you can do the above trick to get them for free.

Just don't tell everyone about the above! ;-)
 
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