[Mr White Hat]

i have been learning SQL for a couple of weeks now, and i find in most interesting. and i am excited in the possibility that i can wrap sql statements in VB to make some useful programs! anyways i want to start making practice DB's and "perfect" my sql knowledge.

my question, where can i find a FREE (or trial) DB software program that can make simple, small DB's that i can play with? i know there are on-line interpretors that u can practice on (i.e. sqlcourse.com ) but don't want to be on-line all the time to use it

BTW i am using win 2k pro, and dial up (i rather not have to DL anything too big, don't want to melt my modem )

[Elvandil]

"This page is devoted to the collection of information about free SQL databases, tools, and utility software."

http://www.ontko.com/~rayo/database.html

[coderitr]

MSDE 2000 is now free also. This is a scaled-down version of Microsoft SQL Server 2000. You get the database engine but no gui tools with which to create databases, tables, views, etc. Microsoft's download page is here

[coderitr]

BTW -- I've been doing SQL in VB for years and can be available to you for help if you want. I'm not too awefully advanced with SQL (I usually have to go ask one of our DBA's or Oracle developers for help when I get into something really tricky) but I offer whatever assistance I can provide. Welcome to TSG.

[gweinhold]

If you're worried about downloading too much, you can always use SQL against a MS Access DB (assuming you have MS Office already installed of course). MSDE is a good choice if you want a more robust SQL engine from MS though.

[coderitr]

That's an excellent suggestion. I'm somewhat shocked that I didn't think of that. Of course, Access is appropriate for someone just learning SQL and wanting to do some toying around but -- and trust me on this because I've been there -- it is not reliable for a long-term production solution. As our database manager put it "Access is just a glorified spreadsheet."