>cetin:
>
>i don't have sql server working properly yet and it will take me some time to figure it out if i decide to go that route (over mysql). if i were to open up a table from sql server in notepad, what happens? can i see the data within a bunch of other garbage text?
>
>paul

Paul,
Databases like SQL server's are supposed to be 'in use' 24*7. IOW as long as the service is running you can't even check the data with notepad. If the service is stopped you can see the text and more with notepad. However you don't need notepad then. That means you physically have access to file. You can 'steal' the data simply taking the files with you to another computer where you can check the data using SQL server. IOW security has both OS and physical access components. Same security concept could be applied to VFP tables, just a little harder to implement. In its simple form think VFP data is secured in a server where access is only avaliable through IIS and/or web services/sockets.
Cetin