newbie question - windows appliaction and database

[Saber]

It is first time I'm going to use databases in windows applications.
I want to create an application to run some readonly
queries into windows forms.

I've to make a "Setup" program to install application and database.

The first question:
If my data are stored in MS-SQL files (mdf).
is it possible to run queries if the user has not installed SQL Server on
his/her PC?
What about MS-Access?

What kind of database do you offer? (Current data are stored in a 10 MB
MS-Access (MDB) file)

 

[Patrick Sullivan]

MS-SQL is not installed by default, you need to use the MSDE (desktop
engine) for distributions. No, SQL server programs will NOT work without SQL
server installed. Access table use the MS Jet database engine, which should
be installed even though Excel or Access is not installed. For simplicity,
use Jet, for security and scalability, use sql server.

 

[Saber]

Thanks Patrick,
So I'll use the MDB file and there is no need for MSDE.
Is there anyway to hide the MDB file into application data files
so users can't read it using MS-Access?

--
Saber S.

MS-SQL is not installed by default, you need to use the MSDE (desktop
engine) for distributions. No, SQL server programs will NOT work without
SQL
server installed. Access table use the MS Jet database engine, which
should
be installed even though Excel or Access is not installed. For simplicity,
use Jet, for security and scalability, use sql server.

 

[Simon Verona]

You could always store the file as another filename and then rename it when
yuor application runs, changing it back on exit?

Regards
Simon

Thanks Patrick,
So I'll use the MDB file and there is no need for MSDE.
Is there anyway to hide the MDB file into application data files
so users can't read it using MS-Access?