[cobalt-users] A bit of help with mysql? - raq4r

[Jim Dory <jdory@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've embarked on this project to get a database set up for public web 
viewing. I have begun researching it yesterday and so far all morning 
today. There is a lot to know, so was helping for a jumpstart on a few 
questions. I am researching the archives, but hoping for more specific help.

I have the raq4 as a web/email server for our city government. I have 
been told to get our MS Access database of property info on the web. I'm 
hoping to be able to convert that to mysql and serve it and administer 
it from our website. I'm hoping to allow the public to view the data, 
and our clerk's department to be able to manage the data. I'm the site 
admin. Or perhaps I can just upload the database periodically if they 
insist on keeping with Access and there's not an easy conversion. Right 
now the Access database is very simple- I think pretty much just raw 
data and not much for forms/etc.

My version of mysql is 3.23.37-1 and my php is 4.0.6-c5.  I'm a complete 
noob with databases - but hope to learn enough to get this working.

I've seen packages of phpmyadmin referred to and it seems to be a good 
thing for me: I would like to try it - should I beware installing it 
(and possibly updating my php and mysql packages) from source or just 
stick with purchasing it from someone like nuonce? (Manager is gone for 
a couple weeks so I may have to buy with my own dollars and hope to get 
reimbursed if it works). (I will continue searching the archives for 
discussions related to this unless someone wants to chime in with a good 
advice or link).

I know the archives have stuff on MS Access conversion, but hoping for a 
link as I'm having trouble separating the chaff and getting to the grain.

A couple examples of what I hope to eventually achieve:
http://www.anchoragelive.com/viewer.htm  (this one is my ultimate except 
a bit slow). Pick a generic last name to see how it works. smith or so. 
It uses MS IIs server.
http://www.muni.org/services/departments/treasury/property/viewer.cfm  
is another from Anchorage. This is without the GIS, to get me started.
http://www.borough.kenai.ak.us/assessingdept/Parcel_QUERY/SEARCH.HTM is 
a simple one. I think they all use MS servers.

So I'm hoping someone will let me know if I'm on the right path - 
phpmyadmin, perhaps updating mysql and php if needed? Administering the 
database from html or just upload periodically? converters from msaccess 
to mysql?

Off to the archives and thanks for reading.. apologies to those trying 
to reduce list bandwidth!


cheers, Jim

--
Jim Dory, Engineering
City of Nome
PO Box 281
102 Division St.
Nome, AK 99762
907.443.6604

http://www.nomealaska.org