newbie database -- help

[Saber]

I'm creating a windows application for local use, it doesn't connects
to any network.
I've the data in an MS-Access database file and want to use it in
my application (to search, retrieve, etc.)
Does everyone who wants use the application needs MS-Access
installed on his/her PC?
Is it a better way, using another thing instead of MS-Access?
In addition, I think connecting to DB in a windows form is different
with ASP.Net , if it is so, what is the difference?

Thanks

 

[Guest]

Your users will not need to have Access installed, they will need the correct
version of MDAC depending on which you use to connect to your database.
You'll use ADO.NET to connect to the database regardless of whether you
connect via an ASP.NET or WINFORM.

HTH

 

[Cor Ligthert]

Saber,

In addition to Alien,

Have on msdn.microsoft.com a look for MSDE as alternative for Access.

The problem with it that it is hard to install, however after that it is a
real databaseserver, while Access is more a kind of databasefile.

The next version from MSDE will be better to install, however it is an
Express version and from that is told that they will not be free.

Therefore until the cost is sure it is in my opinion as well hard to choise
what to take now.

I hope this helps?

Cor

 

[Saber]

Thanks Alien,
Let's imagine I coded entire application and it uses a .MDB file,
well, now I'm going to create an installation package.
How can I add MDAC in my installation package?
What do you mean by "correct version"?

 

[Saber]

Cor,
Thanks for the tip.
Of course it helps, I've to read more about MSDE.
I found a page (
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnacc2k2/html/odc_msdeintro.asp )


Somewhere in the article it says:
To start (or stop) MSDE 2000 by using the SQL Server Services Manager
1- Double-click the MSSQLServer icon in the task bar notification area. The
SQL Server Service Manager window is displayed.
Note If you don't see the MSSQLServer icon in the task bar notification
area, you can also try looking for the Service Manager icon in the Startup
menu (Start menu, All Programs command).

2- In the Services list, click SQL Server.

3- Click Start/Continue (or Stop).

4- In the Services list, click SQL Server Agent.

5- Click Start/Continue (or Stop).

....

I don't want the users do such works on their computers,
in addition, some of users may have Windows 98 or Windows ME.
So, is it possible to use MSDE?

 

[Cor Ligthert]

Saber,


It can be started at start up of the computer (what it does by default) and
that can be stopped/started by the icon.

I don't know if it works on a W98/me. However this page let as least think
me that it does.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;303680

Cor

 

[Saber]

Yes, It seems it works.
In addition, the system requirements are listed here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...d1-a0bc-479f-bafa-e4b278eb9147&DisplayLang=en

Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows
NT, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP
....

But a question, so each user must've a version of MSDE installed on his
computer?
If it is so, is there a way to combine both MSDE and my application
installation package?

 

[Cor Ligthert]

Saber,

I don't know that, however the current MSDE is a crime to install.

It needs by instance in the standard install a strong password. What will
not be at every user and than you have to create another ini file for that,
although are than again responsable for that.

Told is that this will be very much improved with the next version.

Cor