Which database program to use/build on?

[inzzane]

Hello All,
I need to build a standalone program that relies on a lot of information in a database format, in order to produce reports. I also need part of it to run off the computer's clock (Alarms that override all windows applications need to sound at specific times, that are calculated dependent on the users input.) This item should be a standalone application. (I plan on selling this program after it is built) This program also needs to be compatible with all forms of windows, specifically 95,NT, and XP.
I am looking to find out the best program(s) for building an application of this type. Program design has never been an area that I've studied, until now . Just looking for a good program to start with. Anyone out there have any ideas for this noob?

[vass0922]

What size application are you building? What general size do you expect the database to be? Several megs? a few hundred megs? A few gigs? Several hundred gigs?
Who will be the administrators of the application? general users or network admins?

What kind of costs are you looking for? Free/open source or office level (MS Access) or larger business size database (SQL Server, oracle, MySQL)

If you want it to run on 95 I think that rules out the business level

[nishark]

just curious, what programming language?

have a look at this if u already havent

hope that helps

[edit]
just found these lecture notes

[inzzane]

Vass0922,
Application size should not be larger than 500megs,
Database size up to 1 gig
Network admins will be the administrators.

Sorry, forgot about 1 other thing. I also need it to be able to back-up/update the database from another computer or website when needed.


In short, I've got information on pilots that they need where-ever they go. Over a hundred different stations around the world. Right now each pilot carries up to 2 disks (floppies). I intend to build a program where one central location (be it website or other) can update itself with the information from the stations, or send information to each station. Basically getting rid of the pilots carrying disks everywhere. Each station will then be able to manipulate their pilots records for their own reports. At least, thats the plan.

[inzzane]

Thanks for the links Nishark, will check them out

[nishark]

sounds like a web-based app

i'd recommend php/mysql, or jsp/sybase combo with an apache webserver

[inzzane]

ok, I'll look into those

[Praetorian]

I'd actually suggest a PHP and PostgreSQL implementation for this.

www.postgresql.org

[vass0922]

Pre, out of curiosity why would you suggest PostGRE over MySQL?

inzzane .. how much programming experience do you have and with what languages?

[nishark]

i havent used PostGRE, nor have i looked into it. but i've heard PostGREsql is more scalable than MySQL