Access vs MySQL vs SQL Server 2005

[CTringali]

I'm new to the whole software development scene. I've recently started up an internet forum using Snitz Forums and Microsoft Access. I read a few articles on how desktop databases don't serve well on the web. I've looked around for a few comparisons, more info on them, but nothing is standing out. Can somone point me in the right direction?

Second question, does anyone now how to install phpBB Forums on a Windows server?

 

[6000SUX]

I would google on "Microsoft Access", "mySQL", and "Microsoft SQL Server". You can also include keywords like "features" to get a quick overview of each.

Access is not good for server-side use because it is missing some key features. An Access database is just a file-- there is no server software managing it. To guarantee consistency, it uses file-system locks. Attempts to use Access databases in server-side contexts often result in corrupt databases, and the performance is horrible.

Of course, there are many many reasons besides this not to use Access: the lack of a scripting language for writing stored procedures, lack of built-in server features such as automated backups, etc. etc. etc.

MySQL is a very good choice for a low-cost solution, although with SQL Server there is also a version called MSDE that's free (although hobbled). MySQL is fairly easy to learn and to administer with free tools available from the MySQL site, but SQL Server gets the nod for ease of use. Both will have good-enough performance for your needs.

 

[CTringali]

awesome... i'll check them out.... i've been building computers for years, but i'm very new to software development. i hate being a noob again, heh

 

[WobbleWobble]

Originally posted by: 6000SUX
MySQL is a very good choice for a low-cost solution, although with SQL Server there is also a version called MSDE that's free (although hobbled).

It's actually called SQL Server Express now.

For reasons mentioned about, I would immediately dismiss Access, especially with free alternatives such as MySQL and SQL Server Express.

You'd probably get more support/help with phpBB using MySQL, but I personally prefer SQL Server Express. No compelling reasons, but I'm just more comfortable in a SQL Server environment.

 

[Sunday Ironfoot]

I wrote an essay for a 4th year university class comparing Access with SQL Server called "A Report Justifying SQL Server 2000's Higher Cost Over Access 2003 for the [Some Web based application I was building]"

Find it here http://www.menorcanmagic.co.uk/files/Appraisal.doc

 

[tfinch2]

If you can't determine if you need Access or SQL Server, uhhh...I don't know what to say.

 

[Markbnj]

Access if you want to pull in a little bit of data and play with it at a departmental level, or for things like maintaining an address list at home. SQL Server for scalable enterprise-level data storage, access, manipulation, and reporting. MySQL if you want most of that and don't want to spend money.