SQL explanation

[amberH]

Hi all,
Here's an easy question for you's.
What exactly is Microsoft SQL Server?
I'm used to Access, but have been told that I need to convert one of my databases into a MS SQL server database. Is this just a more powerful Access? Or do you still use Access for the front end stuff, and use SQL to store the data?
I've found some sources on-line and read the help file somewhat...I've learned HOW to do a lot of things, but not what MS SQL Server actually is.
Thanks in advance,
amber

 

[calidrake]

SQL Server is actually a Relational Database server. You can link into the tables using Access, but SQL Server comes with it's own management tools. As for SQL Server compared to access, it's very different. You can't just "make" an SQL Server database. You have to purchase MS SQL Server, and install it onto a computer. Once it's all installed, then you go about making the database(s). It does have a few utilities for importing data from an Access database though. Accessing it is different too, an access file is an actual file you can save on your local drive or a network. You connect to an SQL Server database through a connection, that is used by the client tools it comes with, MS Access, or a program written to connect over ODBC, or OLEDB. Hope this helped a little