Microsoft Databases....

[alpha_man]

I am currently working on producing a database for a friend. I am converting all paper based information to a database.

I was wondering if anyone new of good sites to show professional layout of forms etc, and if there are any code examples for queries and about security so i can give it a multi user, access customer information, track customers.

If you know what i am on about please get back.

cheers for the help.....
alphaman

[qball]

I'm guessing your 'on about' a GUI interface and SQL?

A GUI interface can be built using HTML, Java, a slew of development languages (PB,VB, Delphi) and even apps (Excel, Word). Making them look professional, is fairly easy for me. Plus you can find good and bad all over the place. Example, this form I am using to post, would meet my 'level of professionalism'.

SQL, Structured Query Language. The language of all RDBMSs, love it, hate it, iffin you are gonna work with DBs you gotta learn it! There are a bazillion resources on the web for SQL.

Queries will be determined by your DB design (schema). If you schema is weak, your in for some fun queries, both in design and performance.

Security will be handled most likely by the DBMS used, though there are ways of making insecure data sources more secure by limiting access through the GUI.

[Rhino302]

sqlcourse.com to learn about sql

[mrhutch]

do you know what DB you want to use?? I have extensive SQL7 knowlage, but as qball will tell ya I don't know how to code gui's

lol

mr hutch

[vass0922]

Considering your newness to DB's are you going to use MS Access?

That would probably be your best bet to begin with, SQL Server is quite expensive... although it also depends on just how large your DB really is. I believe Access has a 2GB limit and really shouldn't be used past a certain limit of concurrent users (dont' know what that number is, but fairly low).

If you're going to use SQL7 its going to take quite a bit longer (respectively) to build vs. using Access forms.

Well granted you could just use an ADO control (VB) if the data on the forms is very fixed.

however, as Qball said regardless I would highly suggest you learn some SQL and depending on how complex your DB will be, maybe some on normalization.

Are you just going to convert the flat files into text files and keep the overall structure the same?

GUI's: when you look at an existing application.. actually look at it and how the GUI is structured. Typically the most important information is on top. Default data if you can ... users tend to stick with defaults and it makes it much easier on them. On the other hand, don't put a default there if you dont want the same data everywhere.

Try to use controls that makes sense, if the user has to choose from one hundred items, try not to use a drop down box the list gets too long.

Well this got a bit longwinded, reply if I'm speaking greek/turkish/cajun

[alpha_man]

Cheers for the help, as vass0922 said i might start with access 00 databasesto start with and see how that goes, i f any one is good with access 00 please let me know!!

cheers
alphaman

[vass0922]

I'm no guru of Access but if its dealing with SQL and the table structure I maybe able to help.

Reports and the forms etc, there HAS to be somebody better here that can help

[cshafferpampa]

I have built a fairly robust database for my medical practice based on Access using VB6. I highly recommend Access for all but the larger Enterprise type applications. We routinely keep 4-5 users happy across our Intranet and get great performance from Access. the 2 GB limit does exist, but even with 4 years data for 2 doctors we are not even over 150 MB. EMAIL me for help with getting started. Steep learning curve if you are really new to database programming, but plenty of help available at all levels