Comparison of Oracle DB to Access

[GaryWilsonCPA]

I have heard that oracle db is better than access, Can I get some objective comparisons between the two.

Thanks

 

[THoey]

It's like comparing a bicycle to a Harley Davidson... If you are just creating a small database to store your recipes in, Access is much cheaper, can be stand alone on a PC, and you can stumble through the wizards to make it work.

But if you are going to creating a database to store company information, millions of records, etc, I would go with Oracle. It costs more to buy, will probably require training and time to learn (I have been working with it for 5 plus years and am no where near a genius), pretty much needs a dedicated server (there is a personal version, but I think it is limited).

Then again, if you are trying to decide whether to be an Oracle DBA or an Access Developer, Oracle trained personnel make more on the average.

That's a start, I sure others will jump in. Terry M. Hoey

 

[SpiritOfLennon]

I was going to say something but I couldn't think of anything nice or constructive. I think your analogy is a bit generous to be honest. It's more like comparing a penny farthing with one of the speeders off Return of the Jedi. Oracle should be used in preference where there is a 24/7 requirement with hot backups needed ( users still accessing and updating the data ). SOL
The best thing about banging your head against a wall is when you stop.

 

[GaryWilsonCPA]

Thanks for the info - can i follow up more questions, Can a person use the oracle on his pc for learning purposes similar to how access is. My goal is too learn how oracle works and build sample data bases. Does oracle have wizards or and user friendly screens or is it all language based?

I use crystal reports, visual basic and access now, and am trying to see if oracle could be a good step up in the learning process.

 

[THoey]

If you get Personal Oracle 8 (I believe you can download it for free from

http://www.oracle.com

), I am pretty sure you could install it, create your database, use Access or VB to create your front end and Crystal Reports (or Access) to pull reports.

Oracle has GUI tools for creating database objects, similar to Access, but, unless you buy other packages from Oracle, not for creating forms. Visually simple reports can be created using SQL, but if you want pizazz, you will need another tool.

I would suggest you try to download Personal Oracle 8i and install it. I would also suggest a trip to the bookstore to pick up a beginners book. Terry M. Hoey

 

[sem]

You may also download Oracle Forms 6i for free with limited license and build forms and reports too. But you may also build forms/reports using tools you've alredy got.

 

[GaryWilsonCPA]

Is my understanding of this correct, With oracle the database, forms, and reporting are all separate items. I can purchase a personal desktop version to learn on. The ability to store and save data is superior to access.

Is the form creation similar to visual basic? Is the database creation similar to access?

 

[lfoata]

You can use visual basic with oracle. All you have to do is install the ODBC.
You do not have to purchase the personnal version, you can download it from the Oracle site.
At install, you will be asked if you want to create a database (instance), reply yes and the installer will guide you.
You can also look at DBA studio to have a GUI tool to help you .

 

[Dustman]

If you need a version to learn on.. I'd suggest buying this book. "A Guide to Oracle8" by Morrison & Morrison ISBN 0-619-00027-9. It comes with a copy of the Oracle server and developer 2000 (includs the all the gui builders) for pc's. It usually costs about $60 and can be found at most book stores. Make sure it comes with the software though.. some copies of the book do not. I'm not sure if those copies have the same ISBN or not. This is probably the cheapest and easiest way to get into oracle though.

Also.. if you are running Windows ME.. forget it. Oracle does not support it. There have been several attempts by others to fix this but all of them have had negative results. Good luck! -Dustin
Rom 8:28