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columba
Joined: 19 Feb 2014 Posts: 404
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Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2015 4:25 pm Post subject: Database software |
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Hi all, can anyone recommend database software that s/he uses and finds particularly useful? I have an ancient version of Access but, before upgrading, would like to have opinions on other types of software for storing war memorial "stuff".
Sandra |
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spoons
Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 4991 Location: St John's Town of Dalry
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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 9:26 pm Post subject: |
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Hi, A short question but it could be a long and very tedious answer.
The first question to consider is whether you want proprietary or open-source software. You have to buy proprietary whereas open-source is free.
The best proprietary database (at least the simplest) is probably Microsoft Access. Strictly speaking this is not a database itself but is a front-end and relatively simple as these things go. If your version of Access is 2003 or earlier then it came bundled with the Jet database but if later then it came with Ace. Access can be used as the front end for many databases. If your requirements are basic and/or you have limited IT skills and don't want a steep learning curve, then the latest version of Access (along with its bundled database) is probably your safest bet.
If you want to be more adventurous, then an open-source option of XAMPP (for a windows PC) would be my choice. This gives Apache server, MySQL database, PHP and Perl but if you have not dealt with any of this before, it would be a fairly big undertaking to get to grips with it. The big advantage is the price..............£0.
Personally, my need to store information is fairly limited, mainly lists of memorials, names, churches etc so I just use Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. The big advantage is that if I want to go further, I can easily upload the spreadsheets into an Access or MySQL database.
Further info here http://www.access-programmers.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=190649 if you can be bothered reading through it.
In summary, given that you are using Access then I would suggest you upgrade to the latest version of Access but make sure you upgrade the rest of MS Office at the same time so you have compatibility.
However, if you are comfortable with IT or prepared to invest in a big learning curve, then a zero cost option would be XAMPP.
\Paul |
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columba
Joined: 19 Feb 2014 Posts: 404
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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 10:33 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you Paul for taking the time to respond so fully. I'll be sticking with Access - I'm fairly IT illiterate! I've already put a lot of info on an Excel spread sheet so can upload that when I upgrade.
Sandra |
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