Todd,
Rick's book does not cover his West-Wind connection software at all. From what he has said on his site it covers internet applications in general using Microsoft's technologies. I purchased his software a few weeks ago and if you already know VFP than you can have an application up and running in a few weeks. Regarding hosting, the West-Wind software can run as an EXE or an automation server on an ISAPI server. The only problem with this is that some ISP's frown on letting you run this on their servers. Also, check to see if DSL is available in your area, I wish I could get it. It's much cheaper than a T1 since it runs on copper wires. Only problem is the limited availability. I just priced a T1 here in Albuquerque and it was $2500-$3000 for the router, $750 to design and install the loop and $366.00/month for the service. Hope this helps.

Mark A. Struck

>I have been using foxpro for the last 10 years or so, VFP for the last 6 months, and I've been surfing the internet for about 4 years.
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>I can make simple web pages in note pad using pure HTML.
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>I need to start developing web based applications, set up a secure server, form processing, basically get into the whole process.
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>Where should I go? I am ordering Rick Strahl's book from west wind technologies, and it looks like there are a bunch of tools available at that web site too. Any other books? Good training courses?
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>Are there any dead ends that you guys can reccomend that I avoid? Do I need to learn CGI scripting and stuff like that? What is a reasonable price to have a machine co-hosted at my ISP? Or should I set up my own host and get a T1 in? (We could use the extra phone lines and the internet connectivity(sp) for our users)
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>Anyone who has gone thru this process in the last 6 months or so, and has time to chat about it, I would love to give a phone call.
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>I appreciate your help!!!!