"The reason I talk to myself is that I'm the only one who's answers I accept."
Posted
I need to start a database for my website in order to make it more dynamic.
Can anyone recommend free or cheap database software that is easy to install?
Can anyone either do it for me or tell me how I can do it myself?
I have read all of the instructions that come with the free or trial versions in php, cgi, pearl and asp, etc., but I am clueless as to how to get any of these to actually work.
Ideally I would want something like the software www.loquo.com uses as the bulk of my website would be directories / listings.
Please contact me at either 669-804-530 or info@madridinsider.com if you can help. Thanks.
Your best bet is to install the database software used by your web hosting company. That way you can hack at home and publish changes when ready. If you do not have a database with your hosting agreement then you may be restricted performance wise as/if your site takes off.
Most hosting companies provide database access via MySQL (download) or PostgreSQL (download) . MySQL is more commmon since it fits in to the LAMP (Linux OS, Apache web server, MySQL database, PHP scripting) and all components are free and open source.
If you dont have Linux or Apache you can still use MySQL. The downloads page has a windows install image which is simple to use. Once you have that getting going with PHP is quite simple. Search google for php and mysql and you will have plenty of info to choose from.
If you get stuck you can mail me on grant.croker (at) ca.com. Databases are my area of expertise and I am working on PHP for Ingres at the moment.
Once you have got some simple db code up and running your next challenge will be to develop a scalable application and database schema.
good luck
grant
Posts: 27 | Location: Valladolid | Registered: 07 March 2003
Wendy-- If I weren't getting ready for our trip, I'd help you out... If it is something simple, maybe you can do it yourself...
It's REALLY handy to know how to set up database. And you are a sharp tack--I'll bet you could figure it out in a day (assuming you have the time and there is no heavy duty programming/data manipulation involved).
The most important thing is to look at all of the information that you want to store and figure out how it is related. Whether it goes into one table or various tables that are linked by some common data (for example one table might have a list of customers, another might have a list of orders that is linked to the customer table via a customer number that is in both tables). Once you have the data in the tables, then you can perform queries on the data to generate reports. This is a bit trickier, but still very doable for a novice with the wizards.
Food for thought...
Posts: 1070 | Location: Madrid | Registered: 10 December 2002
Hey Wendy, I'm in a similar situation. If you're interested, we can pool resources... ie. if you find someone to help, share them with me and vice versa.
I'm prepared to pay for the help, but maybe not cashed up enough to foot the bill alone.
So in the meantime, if there is anyone who is able to help Wendy and I with database stuff, or even to help me with more basic web design problems (PHP, javascript) let us know. I did have a student lined up tp help me during his summer vacations, but he's flaked on me... don't you hate that!?!?
Also, I noticed my posted message indicate I've posted 143 message. Do I win anything when I've posted 150? Or, perhaps your late on awarding me my 100th post prize?
One of the following will do:
A Plasma screen (if you don't feel like buying another one yours will do)
A new girlfriend (sin mullet), my last one got deported back to the orient (apparently selling thai sticks an charging by the quarter hour for intimate encounters wasn't part of her tourist visa)
The left mirror to a Peugeot Evolution moped (my roommate is without and since he's the only legal person in my piso, if he goes we all go)
A one way ticket to the moon, "pow, right in the kisser Alice!"
Enjoy your trip to the land of the english speakers! And, thanks for the gruby american food, it was worth every cardio fibulation I had yesterday!
Thanks for the offer. I actually have figured out the original problem, but do have a new idea for a new automated form or system that people could use to book the individual or double rooms in shared flats that I book through agencies for 1 to 4 weeks on www.madridinsider.com or you could help me snazz up my acting website by incorporating some design.
so his rates should not be too expensive, might even do it in exchange for some beers 
- rent or buy a cell phone from me for your stay in spain, more info at 
- already have a cell phone, get a spanish SIM card for it at 
