>To: all,
>
>I am currently finishing up with the conversion of a DOS 2.6 app to VFP8. My next step is the installation of the application on the client's network. Another client has the same setup, but utilizes the server as a workstation.
>
>Their office has 6 Win2k terminals and a dedicated Win2k Server (not to be used as a workstation).
>
>My question is... what is the best way to set up the application? The data will reside on the server. But, do I put the application also on the server and have each workstation point to it, or do I install the application on each workstation and just point to the server for the dataset?
>
>Also, are there any preferable Config.fpw settings on each workstation that would be advisable for speed enhancement?

For optimum performance, installing the app on each workstation is the way to go. You can automate the distribution of .EXE updates from a server folder to all workstations by using a "launcher" app:

Simple application launcher File #9668
Application Launcher File #9627

If your app uses views, some people create local .DBCs just to hold copies of views - this reduces contention for the .DBC and can also improve performance:

http://fox.wikis.com/wc.dll?Wiki~CreatingDBCforViews~VFP

In CONFIG.FPW you can set TMPFILES to a local folder for best performance. If you don't set it, by default it will use the Windows temp file directory which is probably a good choice anyways. Make sure the users have full privileges in this folder.

Make sure the network has been properly configured; that the server has a UPS and is backed up regularly and that the workstations and networking infrastructure (switches/hubs, cabling etc.) is solid. If there are problems with the network a VFP app will find them.

For maximum reliability at a small cost in performance, you may want to disable certain cache and lock parameters on both the server and workstations:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;129202
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306981

Many networks these days have antivirus programs running on both the server and workstations. Make sure they are configured to ignore VFP data files to improve performance. Some versions have been proven to cause conflicts in multi-user situations:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304482
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;321550