Which DB would be best?

I'm writing a little standalone app that will need a backend to store data. It will not hold a great amount, but I would like it to be fast and securable. I don't want anyone mucking around with the data model or viewing data. I would also like this to be really easy to deploy. If my mom can do it then anyone can type of easy install.

So, using Vb.Net (may try 2005 express), what are the pros and cons of different backends?

Access
SQL Express 2005
SQL Lite
some XML type thing
Other?

Thanks for any input.
Edward

Welcome to VBForums :wave:

I don't use VB.Net, but there is some info in this thread which may be useful for you.

"Some XML type thing" wouldn't be a good choice for security, but would be easy to deploy.

For ease of deployment, choose Access, because it doesn't require the setup of a server on the end-user's machine.

This post: http://www.vbforums.com/showpost.php...28&postcount=5

from a sticky at the top of the db section of this forum...

describes how SQL Server 2005 Express can be used in a way very similar to ACCESS.

you have to install SQL Server 2005 Express on the machine (but that should be invisible to the user)...

but can "open/attach" to a database file without any of the DBA efforts required in the standard MS SQL product line.

Visit the db section when you have questions like this...

http://www.vbforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=3