Dropbox works good with a shared folder. Each user can see the folder on their machine, and set up a path to it in Legacy vs. having to use a link to access the file. The whole folder and its contents will be on each persons machine. Keep it stored there as FamilyNameNotBusy.fdb. Also keep an optional text file there: FamilyNameLog.txt (see below).
Set up the discipline that each user must rename the file on Dropbox. Before you use it, rename it to FamilyNameBusy.fdb, then open it. After doing the work, rename it back to FamilyNameNotBusy.fdb. All users set Legacy to open FamilyNameBusy.fdb as the default to prevent opening the raw original and current file by accident. This will prevent duplicate users, eliminate the need to download/upload to local computers. But DISCIPLINE MUST HAPPEN to do the renaming. If one person is the official administrator, they could rename the NotBusy file to something else, or download and delete it. So if any user does not see the NotBusy file, there is nothing for them to rename and use. But they could check the log (see below) and see that the Admin has taken it for some maintenance, it might mention expected date/time when it would be back. You could also create a simple text log file in the folder and have each person add their connection and disconnection date/time _at the top_ of the file. So, before you open the fdb file, you could see if it is in use, or if anyone has accessed it since you last looked at it. Again, discipline is needed to enter the login date/time before opening the renamed fdb, and enter logout when done and renaming the busy file. And if you see the renaming was not done, you may be able to use the log file to see who last used it. ================================= Typical informal entries: Tommy Opened 12/7/13, 6pm, closed at 7:45 pm Tried earlier about 5 but file was in use. Fred Opened 12/7/13, 3pm Closed 12/3/13, 4:30pm reviewed Williams branches, look good. need death location for Sandra Bette. Mary Opened 12/5. 7:15 am Closed 12/5 11:45am Note, added branch for Sarah Williams Suzie Opened 12/3, 2:30 pm closed on 12/7 4:pm Updated marriage dates for Luke's family ================================= Legacy User Group guidelines: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Etiquette.asp Archived messages after Nov. 21 2009: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ Archived messages from old mail server - before Nov. 21 2009: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ Online technical support: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Help.asp Follow Legacy on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/LegacyFamilyTree) and on our blog (http://news.LegacyFamilyTree.com). To unsubscribe: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/LegacyLists.asp
