One "Open for Update" at a time

I want to set up a server for our data (6 users on a local network). I know I can just setup directories on one computer and share them. However, Windows does not protect against multiple opens for update, simultaneously - that's left to the appliction. Not all of our applications have this ability. Is there an easy way to achieve this in the hardware or server - i.e. have it allow only one instance of "open for update" at a time? Is there any of the new exteral harddrives that have this ability in them?

 

Not sure exactly what you meanby update.
Since only the data is on the server the programs are installed on the individual computers.
That shouldn’t be a problem. I’m assuming each computer has direct access to internet through a router. They should all be able to update their individual programs simultaneously.

Updating a database is a different thing with non-networked programs and has nothing to do with program updates or internet. Sometimes you can figure way around that "“ sometimes you can’t. Or just have to live with limitations.

Several examples I have.
An accounting application "“ only 1 person can open a particular file at a time, but everyone can be working on different ones.
With MS Office 2000 "“ only 1 person can access common scheduler at a time.

It all depends. Don't know of anything that'll turn a non-networked program into a networked version.