Can't Access ACT! Database Troubleshooting

Have you ever gotten this error:

The database ACT11 demo could  not be accessed in order to access this database check your network connection and verify that your database is server is available. 

While there's many reasons why you might get an error about connecting to ACT! - firewall issues, bad database, network issues - lately (March 2011) there seems to be some commonality to what's happening.  I want to share a quick check method to get you back up and running so you can at least keep working.

ACT for Web from your SOHO

You might know that Sage ACT! has a version that makes your ACT! database available via the web.  People often associate this feature with either big offices with their own servers, or a costly hosting solution.  Do you know that with just a few configuration changes to your router, you can have worldwide access (secure, of course) to your database that might be hosted in your home, or small office?

When to Upgrade

I have found that people upgrade for one or two reasons - because there are new features or requirements that their current system does not have, or their current systems does not integrate with newer software.

So, how do you know if you should be upgrading?