mysql for use with windows clients

[Floog]

Hi Group,

I'm going to be building a mysql database for intra-office use. What software can the Windows boxes on the network use to choose database fields and produce printed reports from the mysql database?

I'm very new to open source database building and I'm not sure what applications I need to make it all come together.

All suggestions and experiences greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time and patience.

Mike

[Seminole]

Do these need to be application on the windows boxes accessing the databases?

If not, run a web server on the MySQL server and use PHP to display pages to the clients. All the work is done on the server and the only thing the Windows users have to have is Internet Exploder to parse the data.

That would be the easiest way... Now if they are already using a Windows web server, you could use ASP on the windows server to connect to the MySQL server to display the same data.

[HighOrbit]

As noted above, you could run Apache on the MySQL server and serve up database queries on web pages via PHP.

Another option is to use MS-Access to connect via ODBC. I've used Access with PostgreSQL and ,while I don't care for Access as a database itself, it makes a great client.

[Floog]

Thanks Seminole!
This is exactly the kind of info. I need. I have a clear picture of what I what to do with the databases, I just don't know what apps. to use to get the job done most simply.

This sounds great. It sounds like I can use PHP to set all the display characteristics, such as: column width, fonts, page breaks, etc.

I'm relieved too. Seems like all I need is linux box, apache, mysql, and php. Now I just have to sit down and do it. :-)

Thanks for your help.

Mike
Originally posted by Seminole

If not, run a web server on the MySQL server and use PHP to display pages to the clients. All the work is done on the server and the only thing the Windows users have to have is Internet Exploder to parse the data.

[Floog]

Hiya HighOrbit,

Thanks for your reply too. I should also consider this option too, as many people in my office may actually prefer to interact with the database using this well-known software-- Access.

Hmm, so it sounds like this ODBC thing is like a universal plug/converter that allows "electrical current"(data) from different "electric sockets" to flow through it. That's the simplest analogy I can think of in laymen's terms.

Is this close?

Thanks for your help. It helps a ton to get a nudge in the right direction from someone who's been there before.

Mike


Originally posted by HighOrbit

Another option is to use MS-Access to connect via ODBC. I've used Access with PostgreSQL and ,while I don't care for Access as a database itself, it makes a great client.

[MaxWave]

Just thought this is interesting:
all I need is Linux box, Apache, Mysql, and Php

I wonder where the LAMP acronym was created.

Personally, I like the LAMP approach best. I don't trust my users. :)

[Seminole]

Hey Floog, just a follow up.....

I think you will be pleasently surprised with how easy it really is to get this all accomplished. If you need help, as always, post here and we'll do our best to help. I have some experience in all thes applications listed. PHP is my weakest point as I usually code in ASP (work servers are M$). Anyway, about Access.....

Access is a good stand alone DB for very small tables.
My experience with Access in the web world has not been too good. It's slow... it has issues with multiple users accessing the same database at the same time. Like if two people write to it at the same time, you run the risk of data loss / corruption.

Believe me, stick with the tried and true MySQL. It is by far the most popular database out there and there is a reason for that. It's super simple, fast and reliable.

Anyway, good luck and keep us posted on how it all works out....

[Floog]

Hi Seminole,

Thanks for stopping by to see how things are going. I've actually put the project off for a bit because I've been going distro-crazy for the last few weeks. Over the last 4 weeks I've installed, configured, and tested the following:

Vector Linux
Crux
Gentoo
Arch Linux
Suse LiveCD
Yoper
Beehive

Eventually, I may even get to Linux From Scratch.

I don't know what's gotten into me. :-)
I guess I've been using only Slackware for so long that I began to wonder what the neighbors' houses might look like.

Out of all the above, I find Gentoo the most intriguing. Installation is time-consuming even for a fella with a fast DSL connection, but you end up with a highly customized system that's able to connect with a ports system that encompasses the entire linux universe. super-cool stuff. And the gentoo community is on fire with user and developer activity.

I suppose I'll have to get around to that web-serving database some day. :-)

Take it easy. Good to hear from you.

Mike

Originally posted by Seminole
Hey Floog, just a follow up.....

Believe me, stick with the tried and true MySQL. It is by far the most popular database out there and there is a reason for that. It's super simple, fast and reliable.

Anyway, good luck and keep us posted on how it all works out....