RE: [cobalt-users] databases on the RAQ4

["Tim Lawson" <timl@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>We have recently began using a Cobalt RAQ4.
>
>Can anybody suggest a database system that we can use with 
>this?  Should I use MySQL (which we now have installed), the 
>Interbase 6 that comes pre-installed, or a Microsoft Access 
>database?  Which will be the fastest and most robust?

Here is my perspective... 8-)

I bought a RAQ4r with the intention of learning and building ASP sites
for my clients using ChiliASP.

I am using Borland Interbase as it was pre-installed and had fantastic
features like stored procedures.
I haven't used MySQL as I figured it would be (at the time) to technical
for me to learn how to install it and maintain it on a Linux box. It is
now a very simple download and Install right from the Cobalt PKG site. I
have learned the hard way in many respects to Interbase, there is far
more accessible support for MySQL and with MySQL / RAQ issues you will
soon see that this mailing list (and archives) becomes your best friend.

As previously stated, Access files are not an option, ChiliASP can read
them but the need to be on a MS server. An alternative to this is to
save your MDB files as Dbase files. (I don't know if this is good / bad
or otherwise) 


If you want to know more about Interbase.
It is the Classic version, not the Super Server version (This can be
important, read on...) 
A GUI front end is fairly expensive and not all features will work
because it is Classic version
An ODBC driver, that works well, is Easysoft's driver, after the trial
period you up for some more bucks
Syntax is very powerful, but some simple tasks are quite tough at times
(for me as a learner anyways...)
I never bothered using Stored Procedures anyway and may have been better
off with MySQL as I haven't needed them.
I understand that Interbase Classic version is also no longer supported
or being furthered by Borland (I believe it true anyway...)

Summary:
I suggest MySQL will be cheaper to maintain as you need no additional
outlay for drivers and GUI's, what I have seen around is awesome and a
lot of it is free to use. I will be installing it at some period as I
have seen some great MySQL / RAQ packages that I just can't use or play
with using only Interbase.

HTH
Tim Lawson  
My AUD$0.02 cents
(which is only 1 cent in the US)