using a laptop with powerchurch

[CCSBA]

I have Powerchurch 9+. My computer is the main computer but there are 2 other computers that are networked together that can use Powerchurch. I would like to take the laptop (which is not the main computer) to another location to use Powerchurch, but when I disconnect the laptop from the network, it gives me a message that says I am not connected to the network and will not open Powerchurch. Can I not use Powerchurch on the laptop unless it is connected to the network?

[NeilZ]

I have Powerchurch 9+. My computer is the main computer but there are 2 other computers that are networked together that can use Powerchurch. I would like to take the laptop (which is not the main computer) to another location to use Powerchurch, but when I disconnect the laptop from the network, it gives me a message that says I am not connected to the network and will not open Powerchurch. Can I not use Powerchurch on the laptop unless it is connected to the network?

No you cannot run it without network access, as the main database is located on the 'main computer', not the laptop. PC+ requires the datafiles, along with some other files in order to run.

I take it that this 'other location' is not within the church, correct ??

[CCSBA]

Thanks for your reply. We are an associational office, so I wanted to take the laptop to one of our churches and be able to enter Powerchurch information, but if it is not possible I won't.
Thank you very much for the information.

[NeilZ]

Thanks for your reply. We are an associational office, so I wanted to take the laptop to one of our churches and be able to enter Powerchurch information, but if it is not possible I won't.
Thank you very much for the information.

You would have to load the laptop with a full copy of Powerchurch, but then you would have two separate databases, which cause other issues with synchronization, overwritten data, etc.

[inserenitynow]

The pastor and I are reveiwing PowerChurch, and all we have are laptops. They are not networked together. What would be the best way to go about synchronizing the information?

[NeilZ]

The pastor and I are reveiwing PowerChurch, and all we have are laptops. They are not networked together. What would be the best way to go about synchronizing the information?

The best way is to network the laptops. I'm not being faceious or anything like that, but it is much easier to have one computer setup as the main 'server' with all the data, then to try and do a backup on one, and move it to the other everytime someone changes something.

However, if the pastor is not going to do any changes to the data, then you can do a backup to CD from one laptop, and move it to the other to restore.

However, I do advise that this only be done during the 'review', when you purchase for day-to-day use, I would definitely go with a network. You can secure the network very easily, so there shouldn't be a worry about someone accessing the network, plus you can both share the same Internet connection.

[randylyons]

Hi,

I am a new network administrator to a church using PCv9. I have two remote users who need to access PCv9 over a VPN connection. Has this been done before?

[NeilZ]

Hi,

I am a new network administrator to a church using PCv9. I have two remote users who need to access PCv9 over a VPN connection. Has this been done before?

It has done before as long as the main Powerchurch server has the Powerchurch directory shared on the network with all permissions, and the users have that directory setup as part of the VPN logon configuration.

What I did at a previous location to avoid the VPN configuration issues, was to GoToMyPC as the connection point to the system. The users would connect via their browser, the system has full encryption, and there was no need to mess with setting up a VPN and all that.

[randylyons]

It has done before as long as the main Powerchurch server has the Powerchurch directory shared on the network with all permissions, and the users have that directory setup as part of the VPN logon configuration.

What I did at a previous location to avoid the VPN configuration issues, was to GoToMyPC as the connection point to the system. The users would connect via their browser, the system has full encryption, and there was no need to mess with setting up a VPN and all that.

I like the sound of that, and I feel secure with GoToMyPC, however, how does PCv9 handle two remote users plus one local user simultaneously? What would be the hardware requirements for the host machine?

Currently, the host has over 2Gb of memory, plus a hard-wired hi-speed internet connection. UL/DL speeds should be ok, and as long as the local user didn't have a lot of programs open, memory should be ok, also, don't you think?

[NeilZ]

I like the sound of that, and I feel secure with GoToMyPC, however, how does PCv9 handle two remote users plus one local user simultaneously? What would be the hardware requirements for the host machine?

Currently, the host has over 2Gb of memory, plus a hard-wired hi-speed internet connection. UL/DL speeds should be ok, and as long as the local user didn't have a lot of programs open, memory should be ok, also, don't you think?

FWIW ... GoToMyPC requires a host machine that runs Windows XP. Of course, its a dedicated connection to that computer. The computer can't be shared, since the person is actually running the other computer from home.

Unlike a true CITRIX setup, where CITRIX sets up multiple sessions off of one server. In this case each session runs its own copy of PC+ with access to the database. The database sharing is handled by the Foxpro runtime in PC+.

Any local user on the network would not be affected, and would be able to access the database without an issue.

That said, from the sound of how the network is setup, you may not be able to do a GoToMyPC setup. It sounds like the 'server' is actually a computer used in the office and not a stand-alone server.

[texas319]

I belive my setup would help you in the leong run especially sinc eyou have several mobile individuals. it would be more secure and more efficient this was in my opnion

-God Bless

PC Version: Power Church 10
users: 10-15
hardware: IBM ThinkCentre, 512mb DDR RAM, 100gb HDD
OS: Windows Server 2003
Backup Method: Automated Backup via Server 2003
Local Client: Access via terminals throughout the church
Remote Client: Access via remote desktop build into Server 2003
Security: Handled by Active Directory permissions
Internet Connection: DSL with a static IP

God Bless, I believe I have a perfect setup that allows for Power Church. Above I have listed all of my network stats. With a central server with an actual Server operation system on it allows for maximum reliability and security as opposed to using windows to workgroup computers together.

We have a static ip that allows me to log in to do regular maintenance on power church to add users and fix network problems from home of work.
The static IP also allows me to provide access to Power Church from any where in the world. So to answer a few questions yes you can use a laptop to connect to your Power Church at multiple locations buildings churches.

The back up solution is built into server 2003 also. So I install PC10 and tell it to back up after Bible Study on Tuesday and bang we have a viable backup from Tuesday week count and the Sunday count.

Once permissions are set in AD you install the network setup from the servers Power Church share and thats it. You know have total security and reliability withing your network and with in power church with little maintenance. Those of you with true IT guys in your congregation should know what to do.

[randylyons]

When you say "Remote Client: Access via remote desktop build into Server 2003", are you referring to a VPN connection?

[texas319]

I am referring to remote desktop.

[randylyons]

Is Remote Desktop similar to GoToMyPC, where only one user can be logged in, or can several remote users be simultaneously logged in and using Power Church?

[texas319]

No in our enviroment multiple connections can be established, from any where in or outside the church. if its based on active directory you have that added security of only allowing directory users access. pretty simple and cost effective. no need to go purchase anything other than a descent broadband connection with a static IP