1) Is SSCE (SQL Server Compact Edition) a local only database? Meaning I can't access it from anywhere else but the host machine?

2) It supports up to 256 connections locally?

3) Are there any good tools available for converting an empty mdf with no stored procedures or triggers to a CE sdf?

4) When you run the install for this, does it open any ports at all? I wouldn't think so but my boss is convinced it does.

5) Does SQL Server Management Studio open any ports by default upon installation?

Thanks for reading and any insight you can provide :)