I need some help with a little problem:<br>I need a database for spare parts in my garage and I know someone who can design a database in Oracle 7, but I need to know can a database created in Oracle run on a PC without Oracle installed on it.<br><br>Can it run like a database created in MS Access just as an executable file. If I can't what are the licencing rules and prices??<br><br><br><br>
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Oracle database as executable file 1
- Thread starter nigelj
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No, it can't be run like that. However, if you could find a server that already has a database installed on it and you can connect to it from your PC, then all you would need is the Oracle client installation. Otherwise, you will need to license the server that you will have to install on your server.
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oh bugger.. !<br><br>From what I have heard it is not exactly cheap to buy a licence for Oracle but seems like I won't have any choice.<br><br>I am not a database person (more into networking), but how does it work then: does every table have its own db file or is there a collection of files that look for Oracle on the PC or what??How could I use it as a multiuser dbase then withj 4-5 users, can I just create shortcuts on the client machines to run off the server?<br><br>And any ideas if I could get licence direct from Oracle???!?!!<br><br>thanks
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No. Personal Oracle7 (PO7) is much smaller/simpler primarily because it does not have the overhead imposed by locking. This is made possible by the fact that you cannot have more than one session at a time connected to the database.<br><br>If you are going to use Oracle 7, it may not be TOO expensive (of course, this is a very relative term!) because Oracle is getting ready to desupport Oracle 7. Consequently, you MAY be able to get a "clearance sale" price on the license; you will have to call Oracle Sales.<br><br>You can't really make a very good comparison between Oracle and Access, since they have completely different architectures. The typical Oracle database is comprised of many files. Architecturally, the database is divided into tablespaces, each of which must have at least one datafile. You can create many tables in a single tablespace or create just one table per tablespace (generally NOT done!) - the exact layout depends on your needs.<br><br>Unless you have a complex system to track or you can get a great price on Oracle7, I would recommend going with Access. It will probably be cheaper to procure, set up, and maintain, and will definitely have less impact on your PC. Access would probably be a very good choice for 6 or 7 users tracking parts in a garage. Going to Oracle might be like buying a Mercedes that you will only use to drive to the corner for cigarettes - a Chevy Cavalier will do the job just as well and leave you more resources for something else! <br><br>Since Access and Oracle are both relational database systems, your friend can use the same basic techniques for database design and implementation. I found Access was easy to learn and use (at least on a fundamental level), so there is not a real steep learning curve here!
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Thanks for that one - it really has cleared a few things for me now...<br><br>Just one more please!!!<br>you may think it is a silly question but I have to ask it:<br><br>If you think Access could do the job (and I also believe it is good enough!)where would you put Lotus Approach - is it anywhere near as good as Access? My concern is speacially multi-using and locking/updating of records in that kind of environment!!!!<br><br>Thanks!
I don't have any experience with Approach, so I'm not really qualified to answer that one! However, I believe Access is much more widely used, so you should be able to find more sources for information if you hit a snag.<br><br>As for multiuser/locking issues, it would certainly depend on how many concurrent transactions you would typically have. I used Access to develop a resource scheduling application at the U.S. Air Force Academy. With over 200 users and about 100 facilities, I never had a contention problem and all of my users were very happy with it. However, I should also note that there were rarely more than 1 or 2 users hitting this at any given time! You need to look at (a) how many users at a given time and (b) the likelihood of two or more users needing to update the same data simultaneously, and (c) what kind of delay is acceptable.
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One other thing to think about is what kind of user interface you get with the database. With Oracle, you only get a text-based interface for interaction and reports. With Access (and I assume Approach) you get the tools to develop GUI forms and reports.
Approach -- Hmmmmm, I would go for MS Access Nigel <p>Mike<br><a href=mailto:michael.j.lacey@ntlworld.com>michael.j.lacey@ntlworld.com</a><br><a href= Cargill's Corporate Web Site</a><br>Please -- Don't send me email questions without posting them in Tek-Tips as well. Better yet -- Post the question in Tek-Tips and send me a note saying "Have a look at so-and-so in the thingy forum would you?"
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