Before you publish a FileMaker Pro database using WebSTAR Lasso Publisher, there are a few steps you should take to help ensure that your database will perform to your expectations.
If possible, do not use FileMaker password protection: you can use the WebSTAR Realm security to limit access to the database from the Web. If you must have a password, make sure that the database opens with a default password that allows complete access to the database. WebSTAR Lasso Publisher cannot enter database passwords.
Likewise, don't use FileMaker's access restrictions, as they can interfere with the web publication.
If you need more security, the Lasso Web Data Engine provides many more security options.
Make a layout specifically for web publishing. This layout should contain only the fields you wish to use on the web. Don't bother dressing up the layout with fancy graphics, colors or formatting; they won't show up on the web pages and could hinder performance.
Name your web publishing layout without spaces, punctuation or special symbols. A good name for this layout would be "Web" or "CGI"; avoid names like "Layout #2".
After you've created your layout, open database and display the layout you just created in Browse mode.
If you wish to publish a database that is being served by FileMaker Pro Server, it is possible. Using a regular copy of FileMaker Pro installed on the same computer as WebSTAR, open the database as a guest of FileMaker Pro Server. Under normal conditions, this approach will perform about as well as running the database directly on the web server computer.
For best performance, access the FileMaker Pro Server database via TCP/IP. In this case, we strongly recommend that you password-protect your database(s), to prevent unauthorized access. Refer to your FileMaker Pro documentation for instructions on sharing databases via TCP/IP.