Multiple User Situation w/Remote Programmer

[Guest]

I have a database that is currently on a network drive with multiple (4)
people using it on a daily basis. They enter data, print reports, etc. on
about 6,000+ records. At this point, the database is not split and has NO
securit - but we are getting to that point.

I handle all the database programming/modifications remotely since I'm in
another part of the country. When I have to make changes, I connect to their
network when everyone is off the system, make a copy of their database (data
& programming is all together in one) to my computer, make the changes & then
copy/replace it back to their network.

I need to start thinking about adding security and have read about the
option of splitting the database to FE/BE. Here are my questions:

1. Does the FE need to be on each individual's computer or can all the
users have a shortcut to a single FE that is saved on the network drive? I
want to find a way that I can make changes to the programming & the next
morning when everyone comes in to work, they don't even have to worry about
having the "up-to-date" FE.

2. If I add log-in & password security now, will it stay in place after I
split the database?

Thanks in advance for helping me.

 

[Tony Toews [MVP]]

1. Does the FE need to be on each individual's computer or can all the
users have a shortcut to a single FE that is saved on the network drive?

Yes, it should be on each individuals computer to avoid weird messages
and corruptions of the FE.

I want to find a way that I can make changes to the programming & the next
morning when everyone comes in to work, they don't even have to worry about
having the "up-to-date" FE.

I specifically created the Auto FE Updater utility so that I could
make changes to the FE MDE as often as I wanted and be quite confident
that the next time someone went to run the app that it would pull in
the latest version. For more info on the errors or the Auto FE
Updater utility see the free Auto FE Updater utility at
http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/autofe.htm at my website to keep the
FE on each PC up to date.

2. If I add log-in & password security now, will it stay in place after I
split the database?

No idea.

Tony
--
Tony Toews, Microsoft Access MVP
Please respond only in the newsgroups so that others can
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Microsoft Access Links, Hints, Tips & Accounting Systems at
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[Joan Wild]

You need to study up on security before you implement it. I suggest you practice on a copy of your database.

Security FAQ
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=207793

Security Whitepaper
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=148555

Although the whitepaper is old, it contains information to help you understand security.

I've also outlined the detailed steps at
www.jmwild.com/AccessSecurity.htm

Once you set up security, the mdw would be on their server. This file contains the usernames/groups/passwords/group membership. The mdb file contains the actual permissions that the users/groups have. So you'd make changes in your copy of the frontend - any permissions you set in this will travel with the mdb when you update their frontend. Once security is in place, the only changes you'd be making to the mdw file on their server is to add/remove users.

 

[Tony Toews [MVP]]

Thanks for jumping in.

Tony
--
Tony Toews, Microsoft Access MVP
Please respond only in the newsgroups so that others can
read the entire thread of messages.
Microsoft Access Links, Hints, Tips & Accounting Systems at
http://www.granite.ab.ca/accsmstr.htm