Getting started with Oracle

[gkd]

I am brand new to the Oracle world. I am currently using SQL and INFORMIX on a Unix platform. I am trying to learn Oracle so that I may use it on a Unix platform. What I would like to do is create a test database and play. One of my contacts told me that I should have Personal Oracle for Windows NT (I have NT on my PC) and use that on my PC. Then if I want to convert some current INFORMIX databases to Oracle or just create new live ones, then I could do that on the Unix machine. Isn't there some interface that needs to be installed on my PC to allow me to "talk" to the Oracle that's on the Unix machine? Is purchasing the Personal ORACLE my best option? I am literally reading a book and just wanting to try things as I go along. I find this the best way to learn. Any advice that you can give me would be appreciated. I need advice on any products that I should have to pursue this way of learning. Thank you.
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[carp]

To talk to the Unix database, you will need the Oracle client software on your PC. This will include Net8 (which facilitates networked connections/communications for Oracle) and SQLPlus (which allows you to run SQL and PL/SQL commands from your client). If you already have the database on your Unix box, then I believe you can just download the client software from Oracle's web site (I THINK so, but maybe not).

 

[rcurva]

Or if you don't have the client software yet, you can create a telnet connection to your server using the oracle user (so that you need not worry abt setting the env variables for Oracle at this moment), from there, you can use/test/study the Oracle utilities needed for your planned migration.

The following utilities are available in your Oracle server version:

sqlplus -- sql / plsql tool
svrmgrl -- server manager
exp -- export utility
imp -- import utility

Is the Oracle installed in your Unix server a production DB or just a test?