Oracle database as executable file 1

[nigelj]

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>

 

[carp]

No, it can't be run like that.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;Otherwise, you will need to license the server that you will have to install on your server.

 

[carp]

In order to keep the cost down, you should probably look at Personal Oracle7.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's much smaller and much less expensive.<br>

 

[nigelj]

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

 

[nigelj]

Is comparing Personal and the &quot;other BIG one&quot; something like comparing NT and win95?<br><br>Cheers<br><br>

 

[carp]

No.&nbsp;&nbsp;Personal Oracle7 (PO7) is much smaller/simpler primarily because it does not have the overhead imposed by locking.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;Consequently, you MAY be able to get a &quot;clearance sale&quot; 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;The typical Oracle database is comprised of many files.&nbsp;&nbsp;Architecturally, the database is divided into tablespaces, each of which must have at least one datafile.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;It will probably be cheaper to procure, set up, and maintain, and will definitely have less impact on your PC.&nbsp;&nbsp;Access would probably be a very good choice for 6 or 7 users tracking parts in a garage.&nbsp;&nbsp;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!&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br>Since Access and Oracle are both relational database systems, your friend can use the same basic techniques for database design and implementation.&nbsp;&nbsp;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!

 

[nigelj]

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&nbsp;&nbsp;- 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!

 

[carp]

I don't have any experience with Approach, so I'm not really qualified to answer that one!&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;I used Access to develop a resource scheduling application at the U.S. Air Force Academy.&nbsp;&nbsp;With over 200 users and about 100 facilities, I never had a contention problem and all of my users were very happy with it.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, I should also note that there were rarely more than 1 or 2 users hitting this at any given time!&nbsp;&nbsp;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.

 

[nigelj]

Thank you for that<br><br>I'll try to find out more about Lotus Approach before I start anything in Access.<br><br>Cheers!<br>

 

[carp]

One other thing to think about is what kind of user interface you get with the database.&nbsp;&nbsp;With Oracle, you only get a text-based interface for interaction and reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;With Access (and I assume Approach) you get the tools to develop GUI forms and reports.

 

[MikeLacey]

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=

http://www.cargill.com/>

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?"

 

[nigelj]

Mike, you obviously know about both&nbsp;&nbsp;- could you tell me what the main differences are?<br><br>what is it that approach can' tcope with that access can...<br>please<br><br>cheers