Morning,

>> My end users are insurance agencies who typically don't have an
>> IT staff, nor do they have much IT knowledge themselves.

I assume they are paying for your services? Either as a consultant or as
an employee of the same company? If so, then surely it is you (or your
staff) who will carry out the install.

>> Since my app will replace a previous one that used a MS
>> Access back end that had almost no setup, this is going to
>> be a very big change for them (and for me).

Access is desktop and almost a database. Firebird can be desktop, but is
usually client/server. There is a huge difference.

>> ...
>> I am very open to suggestions on how to do this, safely and
>> in a way an inexperienced user is unlikely to mess up?

Simple, do not allow any inexperienced users anywhere near the
installation!

>> Obviously, I am new to this. Please forgive these very basic
>> questions.

Ok, there are two scenarios, client/server and desktop (or embedded).

Assuming embedded - (see
http://www.firebirdfaq.org/Firebird-Embedded-Linux-HOWTO.html date 2006
but still valid. (In other words, it worked for me!)) each user has
their own Firebird database and no-one else can connect to it. Create an
installer kit for your application, and include the required FB Embedded
files and folders as part of the installer. Your application and the
database will reside in the same folder with a couple of support files
for Firebird hanging off the same folder. Simple, effective and works.
No port changes required etc etc.

Assuming client/server then all bets are off and you most certainly
should not allow inexperienced IT users to install and configure the
system. This is your job.

Your installer would install the application and the FB client files on
the desktops. On the server where the database is to reside, you will
install and configure it. You will be responsible for setting up
security procedures and backups, maintenance slots etc. None of the end
users should be allowed anywhere near this database except via your
application.


Cheers,
Norman.

Norman Dunbar
Contract Senior Oracle DBA
Capgemini Database Team (EA)
Internal : 7 28 2051
External : 0113 231 2051


Information in this message may be confidential and may be legally privileged. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify the sender immediately, delete it and do not copy it to anyone else.

We have checked this email and its attachments for viruses. But you should still check any attachment before opening it.
We may have to make this message and any reply to it public if asked to under the Freedom of Information Act, Data Protection Act or for litigation. Email messages and attachments sent to or from any Environment Agency address may also be accessed by someone other than the sender or recipient, for business purposes.

If we have sent you information and you wish to use it please read our terms and conditions which you can get by calling us on 08708 506 506. Find out more about the Environment Agency at www.environment-agency.gov.uk