Q. I have installed the FES Dental database in a particular folder, on the server. I now want other machines (i.e. 'FES Client' machines or users) to access it. What do I do?

A. Your first action is to assign a 'shared access' status to the database. This is a straightforward procedure through Microsoft facilities.

• (Step 1) Enter the windows explorer facility and highlight which files or folder(s) -in this example, the folder holding the FES Dental database- are to be given a 'shared access' status.
• (Step 2) While still highlighted, right mouse click and select the option called 'Sharing' then click the 'Shared As' option and complete the 'share name' and 'comment' boxes.
• (Step 3) Click 'Apply' and you will return to the explorer screen. Notice that a small hand appears below the folder, indicating that it has shared access status. Your second action is to link (technically known as 'mapping') your machine to the shared file/folder.
• (Step 4) Still within windows explorer, select 'Tools' then the 'Map Network Drive' option.
• (Step 5) Under the first row marked 'Drive' put any unused letter from A to Z- this is not a physical drive but a network drive e.g. letter 'H'.
• (Step 6) Under the second row marked 'Path' you will view every file or folder that has been given a 'shared access'. Find the required file or folder - in this case the FES Dental database- and select it. Also select the 'Reconnect at Logon' option and then 'OK' Exit windows explorer.

You can now proceed with using the FES Dental database on your (FES Client) machine.

Q. I like the FES Dental System but I'm not confident about installing it myself.

A. FES Dental has been specifically designed for you, the user, to install on your machine. Simply follow the clear, step-by-step 'installation' wizard. You will then follow a 'set up' wizard that allows you to begin working with the FES Dental facilities. In less than 1 hour, you will be able to start inputting your own data. Why not try our trial FES Dental Licence pack to see how easy it is!

A. It is possible to completely extract your patient details from most systems currently on the market. For a one- off charge, FES Ltd can extract your data and load it onto FES Dental.

A. It depends on how you currently store this information. For a nominal charge, FES Ltd can:

• obtain your NHS patient listing from the DPB and load it into FES Dental
• take the details of those (private) patients which your practice holds on database or spreadsheets and electronically load it into FES Dental. If you hold manual records, then we are afraid that these will need to be manually entered into FES Dental.

A. FES Dental has been designed as an open system, specifically for scalability. It can accommodate over 100 surgeries within a local area network. FES Dental is geared to help you grow at your own pace.

A. From FES Dental you can access all your programs e.g. Word, Sage, Lotus 123, Autocad, as well as another clinical software. Because FES Dental is an open system, it interfaces/integrates with other software-but progress in this area does depend on the nature of your existing software.