Jon,
If you look at the original question, the author is asking do I need a dedicated computer to run AC on... I don't think he needs a server. I do think he needs a dedicated computer for AC. I've probably given over 1,000 opinions on here (likely 50 of them heeded, lol), but the advice I stand by the most is don't let a user on the computer that is running the database.
Bert,
You are correct; it looks like I misinterpreted his question, largely based on the title of the topic, "Do I need a server?".
When I started with AC, my interpretation of the advice offered here was that a client-server set-up was recommended by many over a peer-to-peer, but was not felt to be essential. You particularly stressed that either way, the machine functioning as a "server" in the network should be dedicated to AC and should not be used directly by any users. I took that advice (one of the 50/1,000
) and have been happy with it.
I think I understand why many of you think a client-server with a true server is preferred, I just want new users to understand that many of us function with some success without one.
