The answer/comments on Question ID: 104246 led me to:

www.robertsvideos.com/index.php3

I was most impressed and I would like to develop a site with a similar
database presentation, etc.

I am something of a wiz with FoxPro (that's a very, very old dbms that
your Grandparents may remember) ... and I have a copy of Access (Who
hasn't?)

Will either of these do the job?

Or what else should I consider?

There could be a tip in the offing.

Hello probonopublico,

This is a very interesting question. 

Q. Will either of these do the job?

While there is no doubt there are ways to utilize the database options
you speak of, the balance needs to made with concern to future
compatability and features. FoxPro is outdated a little, and Access is
too far out of the loop. If you are comfortable using Access, and
decide to go with Mysql after reading this answer, you can build your
database in Access, then use the following converter to convert to a
Mysql database:

http://www.mysql.com/portal/software/html/software_comments-242.html

The site you mentioned is almost certainly using PHP with a Mysql
database. Mysql is a breeze to learn, and it's simplicity is no trade
for power. It is one of the strongest overall database systems you can
get today. It's also free. Not many database solutions can say that.
As noted in the comments, you can view the Mysql site here:

http://www.mysql.com

Q. What else should I consider?

There are many things to consider when implementing a database
strategy:

- How many users do you anticipate serving?
- How scalable is the solution?
- How well supported are the available solutions?
- Future projects - will they be compatable within?

With that said, the most popular choices today are:

1) Mysql - Hands down, this database is the most used. It's as easy as
learning HTML, as quick as any other, and the open source community
can be counted on to solve just about any problem.

2) PostgreSQL - Well supported open source. Not as widely used as
MySql - but each has it's own unique strengths and weaknesses. Postgre
supports more options with regard to SQL functions. You can read some
comparisons of the two here:

PostgreSQL vs Mysql
http://www.newarchitectmag.com/documents/s=4260/new1013636047/index.html

(note : SQL - structured query language)


Then there is the consideration of even using Open Source databases.
Some would contend their weaknesses, and say they lack in too many
areas. I personally find Mysql can fit my ever desire. You can read an
article below that addresses the concern. It's entitled "When Open
Source Isn't Enough" :

When Open Source Isn't Enough
http://www.newarchitectmag.com/documents/s=4260/new1013636047/1.htm

I'm personally not keen on paying per connection/client/server when it
comes to databases, when I know the free stuff is *better*. There are
some more products out there though:

1) Borland Interbase
   http://www.borland.com/interbase/

2) Oracle9i
   http://www.oracle.com/ip/deploy/database/oracle9i/

I hope this gives enough to start with. Should you want more resources
or clarification, please ask before rating this answer, as I would be
willing to help as much as I can.

To help with this answer I searched Google for:

postgresql vs mysql
://www.google.com/search?q=postgresql+vs+mysql

open source database
://www.google.com/search?q=open+source+database


Thanks for the great question!
SgtCory

P.S.
I am Mysql/Php biased, and you really seemed to like the site you
listed, so here are some Mysql starting points :-)

PHP/Mysql Tutorial
http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/programming/php/tutorials/tutorial4.html

Older Learning tool (Still very relevant)
http://www.devshed.com/Server_Side/MySQL/Intro/page1.html

Another PHP/Mysql tutorial
http://www.freewebmasterhelp.com/tutorials/phpmysql/

---

Clarification of Answer by sgtcory-ga on 12 Nov 2002 11:10 PST

You can download and work with most of these locally as well (open
source ones). Just see each site for more information -

Thanks -

SgtCory

---

Clarification of Answer by sgtcory-ga on 12 Nov 2002 22:38 PST

probonopublico -

Thanks for the great rating and the very generous tip. I must thank
you the most for letting me stay a Sergeant, and in the trenches -
Officer material I am not :-), Hopefully I can help you in some
fashion in the future -

Thanks again,
SgtCory

Brilliant!

Just what I was looking for.

You have now won the title of 'Bryan's Favourite Researcher' ... a
much coveted title.

I wish that it were in my power to also offer you a promotion but I
detect that you are far too intelligent to be Officer material, so Sgt
you shall remain.

Take a look at

www.mysql.com for the database ( windows, linux, other ) and
www.php.net for the server
www.php.org for a interesting tool called CodeCharge
http://mysqlfront.venturemedia.de , at the top right corner, you'll
find a link for downloading a VERY easy tool for using MySQL.

G'luck!
Curepi