Please help this networking numpty set up some shared files!

[Doosht]

Hi all. One thing i have never had any experience in computer wise is networks or servers so i feel so helpless with this.

We have a requirement as follows.

We want an access database and perhaps outlook to be shared across 3 computers max in our small business.

How and what do we need so that when one of us updates the access database it automatically updates on the other machines.

The more simple the better.

P.S if it involves a server then i would sooner the server be in the same building than a web based one.

MANY MANY THANKYOU's if you can help

 

[Vince]

To share the folder which contains the database you need to find where the database file is stored, if you already know that location right click on the folder, select properties and share it using the sharing tab.

to locate the database from a client machine you will need to know either the IP address or unique name of the machine where the database is stored. Providing that they are networked with file and printer sharing enabled, In windows explorer type \\ followed by the name of the machine or the IP address and you will see that shared folder.

You can map this into a network drive on the client in my computer by following details in this link, http://compnetworking.about.com/od/windowsxpnetworking/ht/mapnetworkdrive.htm

You dont need to buy a server to do this but there is a maximum number of concurrent connections into a windows xp share. I thought this was 3 but a quick google seems to suggest 10. Either way, for best performance I would recomend putting the database onto a central pc.

Oh and dont forget to backup that database

Hope this helps, let me know if you hit any snags.