ACDSee like thumbnail database

[CroDude]

Hi all!

I'm working on a little app for browsing image files. Now I want to make a
database support for thumbnails in a way to store a thumbnail image and
image properties in a db.
This way browsing will be faster since I'll be able to load a thumbnail
image from database, and not wasting time on loading and resizing original
image.
I've downloaded some examples from the web. Some of them are using SQL, some
OleDB.
I'm really new to database programming so I would ask for a few advices
here:

1) Which would be better to use SQL or OleDB (performance wise)?
2) What type is better for general use? I mean that I don't want for my
users to be forced to install some 'special' drivers. The best choice would
be If database drivers would be a part of the windows regualar install.(I
had to install SQL to be able to run internet examples, and I don't want my
users to bother with something like that)
3) If 2) isn't possible, can I distibute db drivers with my app? ( Legal or
financial matter)
4) Is there any other, custom method to do this kind of stuff?

This should be fairly simple databse system, but thes driver problems are
making me worry.
Sorry If there are retarder questions asked, but I'm relly new to database
programming.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mats Lycken]

You should check out MSDE. (http://www.microsoft.com/sql/msde/default.asp)
It's a db engine written for just that kind of thing, embedding db'n in
apps.
You'll have designer support in VS and all kinds of goodies.