[RESOLVED] Database question

[dreamdelerium]

hey everyone. i just wanted to get some feedback. i want to create a program in vb.net (using visual basic 2008 express edition) that will be run on several computers in a facility, linked to a central database located on a server. i want to also create a feature that would allow the central database link up to an off site db (via the internet) and update it.

my question is, what would be the database to use? ive been working a great deal with Microsoft Access but ive read that access does poorly when multiple people are accessing the same database at the same time and also has problems with tables with large amount of records.

thanks for the advice
jason

[dee-u]

You have differing options, SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle...

[dreamdelerium]

thanks for your reply. a few questions:
1. is seems that using SQL server is more complicated then using access?
2. what are the steps i need to take to start using SQL server with my application (so that i can start developing) or is it as simple as using the data source config wizzard and selecting "Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5"
3. if thats the case, how do i design the tables and manually insert records (for testing purposes) or does everything need to be done through vb.net express edition?

thanks for your help
jason

[dee-u]

1. is seems that using SQL server is more complicated then using access?
*Can be since it is more advance than Access.
2. what are the steps i need to take to start using SQL server with my application (so that i can start developing) or is it as simple as using the data source config wizzard and selecting "Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5"
*You need to install it first. Then do the same as with Access.
3. if thats the case, how do i design the tables and manually insert records (for testing purposes) or does everything need to be done through vb.net express edition?
*Either way. You can manually add records or through your program.

[GaryMazzone]

Is SQL Server more complicated then Access? Yes it is. There are more features more security and better backups to start nameing a few things.

2. You will not select SQL Server Compact 3.5 if you are using SQL Server Express 2008 you select SQL Native Client. The Compact is for the Compact edition of SQL Server only.

You design tables and indexs, PKs, FK in two ways... 1 get the GUI interface for SQL Server Express (avail at MS as a free download). That will allow you to do all the work in a graphical enviorment. It will also allow you to open tables and insert data directly into the table. 2. Use SQL to create tables and other db objects again you can use the GUI to open an SQL query window on the database to perform these statements in. 3. Data inserted from your application