Exactly! We use ONE database, and all the computers that talk to it are HARD WIRED to the server through a high-speed switch. (even though their laptops, and could use wireless, we don't want to clog our wireless bandwidth with traffic we don't need to). We then remote control them.
LogMeIn, VNC, PC Anywhere, GoToMyPC.com - any of these will give you excellent performance. To be able to PRINT, we add internet printing to our remote printers to the laptops, which is built into windows and most network-ready printers, so no additional cost there. PC Anywhere and GoToMyPC.com I believe have printing services built in, as do commercial VNC versions. I can't say for LogMeIn as I don't use it.
We have a second office where we go 1/2 day per week, as well as work from home a lot. On the days we're at our remote office, we set the default printer to the printer at that office, and all AC functions work as if we had a remote database - except they're running at the main office on the one common database. It means that everything is realtime - no syncing required.
It has another advantage - when the office staff cuts orders for patient when I'm not there, (for example, PT or screening mammogram, or some such that I allow them to issue at the patient's request when I'm not there) I immediately know, as it shows up in my messages queue on main AC screen!
I prefer used laptops at the main-office end of things, as AC doesn't need a lot of horsepower to run, I don't need a great keyboard or screen, they're SMALL so I can stack multiple remote-access servers on a single shelf, they contain a BUILT IN THREE HOUR U.P.S. - called the laptop battery! so if the power goes out they're still up! and they're cheap cheap cheap! (did I mention they're inexpensive??)
We have our servers on one UPS, and our router, cable modem, network switching gear, and front desk computer on another one, as they're not in the same room anymore. (we moved the servers as the fans were way too loud and nobody could hear in the office). The main UPS is a ferro-resonant job that weighs a lot, but cranks out computer-grade sine-wave power.
So far this has been solid as a rock for close to 2 years. We've upgraded the firewall and the high speed switch we use without it affecting anything.
V.
