FileMaker Server 7 Administrator’s Guide For Windows and Mac OS
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Contents Chapter 1 Getting started Using this manual Online Help Using FileMaker Server documentation Where to find PDF documentation Registration and customer support About the license key Updating the FileMaker Server license Introducing FileMaker Server How does FileMaker Server work? FileMaker Server The FileMaker Server Admin application Using FileMaker Server in your network What’s new or improved in FileMaker Server 7 and FileMaker Server Advanced Preparing FileMaker Pro files for use with FileMaker
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Recording usage statistics and setting log file size limits Controlling the collection of usage statistics Logging FileMaker Server events Configuring the Event Viewer (Windows) Configuring directory services Registering FileMaker Server with a directory service Setting FileMaker Server security Defining groups for use with security features (Windows) Authenticating client log in Filtering the display of files Securing connections to FileMaker Server Protecting fil
Chapter 1 Getting started Welcome to the FileMaker® Server 7 application for Windows and Mac OS from FileMaker, Inc. FileMaker Server gives you enhanced database hosting capabilities on your network when used with the FileMaker Pro database management application. Using FileMaker Server documentation Note If you use FileMaker Server 7 with other FileMaker products, those other FileMaker products must be version 7 as well.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Where to find PDF documentation For information about technical support and customer service, see: Most PDF manuals are located in the folder where you installed FileMaker Server. If you performed the default installation of FileMaker Server in the default folder location, the PDF manuals are located here: www.filemaker.com (North American customers) www.filemaker.com/intl (customers outside North America) Windows: \Program Files\FileMaker\FileMaker Server 7\En
Getting started Updating the FileMaker Server license If you want to upgrade from a trial version of FileMaker Server, or from FileMaker Server to FileMaker Server Advanced, you must update your FileMaker Server license key. Your copy of FileMaker Server supports one of the following client configurations: 1 To update the FileMaker Server license: 1.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide When you start FileMaker Server, it automatically opens and hosts FileMaker Pro files located in the Data folder in the FileMaker Server 7 folder (Windows) or the FileMaker Server Data folder in the Library folder (Mac OS) (or the first level of subfolders) and, optionally, an additional folder that you specify. This folder structure lets you easily set up the database files that you want FileMaker Server to host on the network.
Getting started FileMaker Server Admin can be run on the same computer where FileMaker Server is running (locally). Or, if FileMaker Server has been configured to allow remote administration, FileMaker Server Admin can be installed and run on a Windows or Mac OS networked computer in order to administer one or more FileMaker Servers installed on other Windows or Mac OS computers in the same network.
1 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Server-side plug-in support 1 External authentication You can enable FileMaker Server to use plug-ins with hosted databases. When plug-ins are used by hosted databases, field calculations can be performed on the computer running FileMaker Server. Clients can be authenticated by a group account residing on an external server such as a domain controller.
Getting started 1 In FileMaker Pro, edit the accounts and privilege sets that clients will use for shared access. 1 Enable the appropriate extended privileges for particular privilege sets. Every account assigned to a privilege set with extended privileges will be able to access the database through the protocol associated with an extended privilege, (for example, Access via FileMaker Network). For more information on accounts, privilege sets, and extended privileges, see the FileMaker Pro User’s Guide.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide
Chapter 2 Installing FileMaker Server This chapter provides step-by-step instructions for installing FileMaker Server, FileMaker Server Admin, and associated files on a computer running Windows or Mac OS.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Networking requirements (Windows) To share files among users on a network, you need to have the following additional software and hardware installed on the host computer running FileMaker Server: 1 1 1 Windows compatible network card the software driver for your network card TCP/IP network protocol Note Because some DHCP servers cycle IP addresses, FileMaker recommends using a static IP address.
Installing FileMaker Server Installing FileMaker Server (Windows) 15 1 This installation procedure describes how to install the FileMaker Server application and associated files. FileMaker Server Admin is also installed with this procedure. After installation, you must either restart the computer or start the FileMaker Server service manually the first time. For more information, see “Starting FileMaker Server (Windows)” on page 31. Thereafter, FileMaker Server will start when you restart the computer.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Uninstalling FileMaker Server (Windows) 5. Choose the startup configuration. Click OK. Before removing FileMaker Server from your computer, be sure to stop the FileMaker Server Helper and FileMaker Server services, and exit FileMaker Server Admin. Select If Automatic You want FileMaker Server to start whenever Mac OS starts.
Installing FileMaker Server Verifying your installation Before you configure FileMaker Server you should verify that your copy has been installed correctly and is working. FileMaker Server installs a pre-configured sample database as part of a typical installation. This database, named FMServer_Sample_Config.fp7, is located in the Sample_Configuration folder within the default Databases folder (/FileMaker Server 7/Data/Databases/Sample_Configuration/ FMServer_Sample_Config.fp7).
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide To verify that the database is usable from a client machine: 1. Launch FileMaker Pro 7 or FileMaker Developer 7. 2. Choose File menu > Open Remote. 3. Select Local Hosts from the View menu, and choose your server from the list. The name of the sample database should appear in the column on the right. 4.
Chapter 3 Configuring FileMaker Server Use the FileMaker Server Admin application to configure FileMaker Server for optimal performance. Windows users can also use the configuration assistants to set up server properties. Use the Properties dialog box (Windows) or Configure view (Mac OS ) for access to the complete set of configuration settings. Note This chapter provides an overview of the configuration settings that are available.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Mac OS: To configure client properties, choose View menu > Configure, then click the Clients tab. Setting the number of combined FileMaker Pro and ODBC/JDBC connections If you have FileMaker Server Advanced, you can specify the number of simultaneous FileMaker Pro and ODBC/JDBC clients allowed to access FileMaker Server.
Configuring FileMaker Server Registering the Web Publishing Engine You can allow a Web Publishing Engine access to hosted databases by registering it with FileMaker Server. The Web Publishing Engine server is registered in FileMaker Server by an identifier text string and a passcode. For information about installing and configuring the Web Publishing Engine, see the FileMaker Server Advanced Web Publishing Installation Guide.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Mac OS: To change database properties, choose View menu > Configure, then click the Databases tab. writes any changed pages it discovers to the disk. The process repeats continuously, writing 1/60 of the cache to disk every second, even during scheduled backups. For example, in a 64MB cache, FileMaker Server will inspect up to 1/60th of the cache, or a little more than a megabyte, and flush all of the changed records it finds.
Configuring FileMaker Server Opening runtime solutions automatically Runtime solutions are database files created in FileMaker Developer that are typically used with a dedicated, “bound” copy of the FileMaker Pro application. If you host runtime database solutions created by FileMaker Developer, you can enable FileMaker Server to automatically open runtime solutions when FileMaker Server starts, provided runtime solutions are stored in one of the designated locations.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide On startup, FileMaker Server looks in the default database folder as well as an optionally specified additional database folder for databases to host. In each of these locations, FileMaker Server will only open files at the root level and in folders one level down. Mac OS: To configure administrative properties, choose View menu > Configure, then click the Administration tab.
Configuring FileMaker Server Important If you require a password or authentication for security reasons, also remember to restrict access to the server computer. Do not put the computer in an unsecured room. 25 Mac OS: To configure log file properties, choose View menu > Configure, then click the Logging tab.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide For information on the types of statistics that are collected in the statistics log, see “Viewing usage statistics for FileMaker Server” on page 37. Managing log files When Stats.log reaches its maximum size, FileMaker Server renames it Stats-old.log and creates a new Stats.log. Displaying statistics In Windows, you can chart real-time statistics for various aspects of FileMaker Server performance. See “Monitoring server performance (Windows)” on page 38.
Configuring FileMaker Server Mac OS: To change properties, choose View menu > Configure, then click the Directory Service tab. 1 27 Specifying the login settings Choose from the following options for user authentication. Choose To Use Windows Authentication Use the account name and password of a Windows domain to access Microsoft Active Directory Log on as current user Log on using the current Windows account, if Use Windows Authentication is selected.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Windows: Configure FileMaker Server security with the Security assistant or select host and then choose Action menu > Properties > Security tab.
Configuring FileMaker Server 29 allows you to use your existing authentication server to control access to databases without having to manage an independent list of accounts in each hosted database file. Note Restart FileMaker Server if the secure connections property is changed. Windows only: If you choose FileMaker and External Server Accounts, records of all logon attempts are logged in the Windows Security Log. For more information about the Security Log, see your Windows documentation.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide To prevent your system from sleeping: 1 Windows: Disable Hibernation and Standby Mode in the Power options control panel on the computer running FileMaker Server. 1 Mac OS: Disable system sleep in the Energy Saver pane by setting the slider control to Never in the Put the computer to sleep when it is inactive for area.
Chapter 4 Administering FileMaker Server This chapter provides information about starting and stopping FileMaker Server and administering hosted databases. Server plug-ins Place server plug-ins in the folder: Default folders for files Windows: Program Files\FileMaker\FileMaker Server 7\Extensions\ Plugins\ Before starting FileMaker Server, place your files in the following folders.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide To start the FileMaker Server service locally: 1. Choose the Start button > Programs > FileMaker Server Admin. 2. Expand the Windows Administrative Tools node in the Console Root. FileMaker Server opens the FileMaker Pro files for access by FileMaker Pro clients on the network. For information about starting the FileMaker Server service from the command prompt, see “Using the command line to automate tasks” on page 42. 3. Select Services (Local). Notes 4.
Administering FileMaker Server 33 To stop the FileMaker Server service on a remote computer: To start the FileMaker Server daemon on a remote computer: 1. Choose the Start button > Programs > FileMaker Server Admin. Note The FileMaker Server Helper daemon must be running on the remote computer and the Allow remote users to administer FileMaker Server preference must be enabled. 2. Connect to the FileMaker Server that you want to stop. 3. Choose Action menu > Stop FileMaker Server. FileMaker Server.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Stopping FileMaker Server (Mac OS) Stopping the FileMaker Server daemon disconnects all FileMaker Pro clients, closes all database files hosted by FileMaker Server, and disconnects all instances of FileMaker Server Admin. This process works only on a connected server and may take several minutes.
Administering FileMaker Server Connecting to FileMaker Server using FileMaker Server Admin Once you have started FileMaker Server, you can connect to it locally or remotely using FileMaker Server Admin. To connect to FileMaker Server: 1. Start FileMaker Server Admin. Windows: Choose the Start button > Programs > FileMaker Server Admin. Mac OS: Start FileMaker Server Admin (Applications/FileMaker Server 7/).
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide You can view detailed information about hosted files and the clients that are currently connected to them.
Administering FileMaker Server Port usage and remote administration FileMaker Server uses the following ports: Port number Used by 5003 FileMaker Server See the FMS Read Me.pdf FileMaker Server Helper service (Windows) or daemon (Mac OS) 25003 FileMaker Server as the default AdminAuxPort value 37 Viewing usage statistics for FileMaker Server You can display usage statistics, such as how FileMaker Server is performing and how many clients are logged into FileMaker Server.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Statistic Description Cache Unsaved % Percentage of cache that is currently unsaved. This should be a relatively low number, such as 0 or 5, so you won’t lose data if you experience a system crash. If the number is consistently high, consider decreasing the cache flush interval. Cache Hit % Percentage of times that FileMaker Server retrieved data from the cache (RAM) rather than from the hard disk.
Administering FileMaker Server Using reported events to track activities FileMaker Server uses the Windows Event Viewer (Windows) or Event.log (Mac OS ) to help you keep track of activities on the server. These log files contain time-stamped information on: 1 1 1 FileMaker Server starting and stopping database files opened and closed by FileMaker Server 39 You can have the log file open in the Mac OS Console application when FileMaker Server is running.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide About the FileMaker Server 7 daemons When installed, FileMaker Server creates the daemons fmserver_helperd and fmserverd . These are owned by the user fmserver and the group fmsadmin . The permissions for the two daemons include Set User ID, also know as the SUID bit. The daemons are started with the user id of fmserver and group id of fmsadmin.
Administering FileMaker Server Folder Purpose Notes Library/FileMaker Server 7/ Data/Databases/AutoUpdate/ Location for plug-ins to be updated using the AutoUpdate Plugins feature. For more information see the document, FileMaker Guide to Updating Plug-ins. It is important that any plug-ins placed in the AutoUpdate folder or subfolders are owned by the fmsadmin group and are group readable.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide To change file group and permissions: 5. Set permissions to: 1. Move the database files to the folder /Library/FileMaker Server 7/ Data/Databases/. 2. In the Finder, select the first database file, and choose File menu > Get Info. 3. Expand the Ownership & Permissions area of the Get Info dialog box, and the Details area, if necessary. 4.
Administering FileMaker Server The following table lists a summary of fmsadmin commands. For detailed command syntax, see Help.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide
Chapter 5 Scheduling administrative tasks You can use the FileMaker Server Task Scheduling assistant (Windows) or Schedules (Mac OS) to define three kinds of tasks and set the times that they execute. You can: 1 1 1 schedule database backups run script files send messages to clients of hosted databases A new scheduled task is enabled by default, which means the task will run at its scheduled time after you close the Schedules window.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Sending messages to clients of hosted databases Viewing scheduled tasks in the Schedules view (Mac OS) You can: After you create a scheduled task, it appears in the Schedules view. 1 Send a message to all clients who are currently connected to hosted To display the Schedules view, choose Schedules.
Scheduling administrative tasks 47 Duplicating scheduled tasks Enabling and disabling scheduled tasks Sometimes it’s easier to use an existing scheduled task as a template, rather than defining a completely new schedule. You can enable or disable selected schedules or disable all schedules at once. Windows: Select one or more scheduled tasks and choose Action menu > Duplicate. The duplicate schedule appears with “copy ” appended to its name.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide
Index A Access privileges, FileMaker Pro 29 Accounts 24, 28, 29 Activity Monitor (Mac OS) 33 Administering closing files 36 disconnecting clients 36 opening files 35 remotely 34 enabling 25 using command line 42 viewing usage statistics 37 Application Log (Windows) 26 Assistive technology 6 Authenticating administrator 24, 28 clients 28 Auto Update plug-in 11, 21 B Backup folder 24, 45 Backups and system sleep 29 running out of disk space 45 scheduling 45 Batch files 42 Bug reports 39 C Cache flush settin
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Extensions, filename 31 for runtime solutions 23 External authentication 24 External servers 28 F Favorite Servers adding (Mac OS) 33 adding (Windows) 32 File permissions (Mac OS) 11, 40 FileMaker Developer 23 FileMaker Pro access privileges for files 29 downloading plug-ins from 21 FileMaker Server, comparison 8 overview of using with FileMaker Server 10 FileMaker Server described 7–8 FileMaker Pro, comparison 8 new features 9 overview of using with FileMaker Pr
Index Log files Event Viewer (Windows) 26, 39 Event.
FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Shutdown, checking for file corruption 30 Size cache 22 file 45 log files 25 Sleep, by operating system 29 Solutions, runtime 23 Sorting file listings 36 schedules 46 SSL 9, 29 Standby mode (Windows) 29 Starting FileMaker Server, automatically Mac OS 16 Windows 15 FileMaker Server, manually Mac OS 16, 33 Windows 15, 31 Static IP addresses 14 Statistics collecting 25 viewing 37 System Monitor (Windows) 38 Stopping FileMaker Server Mac OS 34 Windows 32 Subfolders 31
