Most Recent Articles...

05/12/03 - NULLs and JOINs
JOIN operations allow us to combine data from multiple tables. Learn how these operations treat the NULL value.

04/28/03 - All About NULL Values
Users new to the world of databases are often confused by a special value particular to our field – the NULL value. Read about the proper uses of NULL in this article.

04/13/03 - SQL Server Replication
Microsoft SQL Server provides a robust replication facility to distribute and update data in a decentralized fashion.

03/30/03 - Exporting Access Tables to Excel
Microsoft Access allows you to export data to a variety of formats for sharing and analysis. In this tutorial, we walk through the process of exporting an Access table to an Excel workbook.

03/16/03 - Database Certification Spotlight: Office Specialist
Looking to prove that you know your stuff when it comes to Microsoft Access? The Microsoft Office Specialist program may be just what you're looking for!

02/17/03 - Triggers
Triggers may be used to automate common database actions. Learn how to apply them effectively!

02/03/03 - Transactions
Database transactions allow you to group actions into atomic elements. Learn how to implement them in SQL.

01/05/03 - Database Security Issues: SQL Injections
SQL Injection attacks threaten database-driven websites. Are you protected?

12/01/02 - The ACID Model
All database management systems should share four characteristics: Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation and Durability.

11/17/02 - Database Security Issues: Inference
Inference is a major security issue facing database designers and administrators. Learn all about it in this article.

10/27/02 - Top 5 Oracle Reference Books
Looking for an Oracle reference book? Here are the top five books in the category.

10/13/02 - Book Review: Expert One-on-One Oracle
Tom Kyte's book on Oracle programming techniques and solutions is a must-have for serious Oracle developers.

09/29/02 - Book Review: All-in-One MCDBA SQL Server 2000
Osborne McGraw Hill's All-in-One MCDBA attempts to prepare candidates for both the 70-228 administration and 70-229 design exams but falls short of the mark.

09/15/02 - Top 5 MCDBA 70-228 Exam Training Guides
There are many different 70-228 exam training guides on the market today.  Which ones will best prepare you for the exam?  Find out in this review.

09/01/02 - SQL Server Index Tuning
Looking to squeeze that last bit of performance out of your SQL Server database? The Index Tuning Wizard can help!

08/18/02 - Certification Spotlight: OCP
Want to prove your Oracle Database Administration prowess to the world? Check out the Oracle 9i certification program!

08/04/02 - Certification Spotlight: MCDBA
Interested in earning your Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) credential? Get off to the right start with this informative article!

07/21/02 - Get Certified!
Are you a database professional seeking to polish your resume in the hopes of landing a better gig?  Perhaps you're just getting started in database administration and you'd like to establish your credentials in the field. Database vendors offer a variety of professional certification programs that can help you advance your career while gaining valuable technical skills.

07/07/02 - Top 5 MCDBA 70-229 Exam Training Guides
If you're preparing to take the 70-229 "Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition" exam on the path to earning your MCDBA credential, you'd be well advised to pick up at least one exam training guide. In this feature, we'll take a look at the top guides to help you prepare for the big test.

06/23/02 - Top 5 SQL Books
Looking for a book to help you get started with Strucutred Query Language? Need a new reference book for your shelf? Check out my favorite SQL books.

06/09/02 - Book Review: Database Developer's Guide with Visual Basic 6
Roger Jennings provides an excellent comprehensive introduction to developing database applications on Microsoft platforms.

05/26/02 - Introduction to Microsoft SQL Server 2000
SQL Server offers full-featured relational database functionality in a user-oriented package. Learn about the various components of SQL Server in this article.

05/12/02 - Book Review: Access Database Design and Programming
O'Reilly's Access Database Design and Programming offers Access users the knowledge needed to begin the transition to Access developers.

04/21/02 - Creating an ADO Connection
The first step in developing an ADO application is to create a connection to a data source. This tutorial walks you through the process.

04/07/02 - Microsoft Access Databases for the Disabled
Microsoft provides a variety of features to make Access easier for the physically challenged.

03/24/02 - Microsoft English Query
Would you like to give users of your database the ability to pose queries in plain English?  EQ makes it possible!

03/10/02 - ActiveX Data Objects (ADO)
Microsoft ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) offer programmers a quick, easy way to access diverse data sources programatically.

01/06/02 - Book Review: ASP In A Nutshell
ASP In A Nutshell is a comprehensive reference book that deserves a place in every Internet developer's library.

12/09/01 - Top Five Database Programming Books
Looking to get started in database development?  Here are five books on various database programming technologies.

11/25/01 - Top Five Microsoft Access Books for Beginners
Looking for help getting started with Microsoft Access?  Here are my five favorite books for beginners!

11/25/01 - Book Review: Microsoft Access Visual QuickStart Guide
Review of Access 2000 for Windows: Visual QuickStart Guide by Deborah S. Ray and Eric J. Ray

11/11/01 - Before You Buy a Database
Buying a database product is a serious decision. Do you have all the information you need?

10/28/01 - Microsoft Access Product Summary
Get the low-down on the most popular desktop database currently on the market.

10/14/01 - Top Five Desktop Databases
There are a lot of desktop databases on the market. Which ones are the cream of the crop? Find out here!

09/30/01 - Book Review: Oracle Essentials
Looking for a great overview of Oracle database technologies?  Check out this book from O'Reilly.

09/16/01 - Database Normalization: Third Normal Form
Learn how to ensure that your database meets the dependency requirements of third normal form (3NF).

09/02/01 - Database Normalization: Second Normal Form
Learn how to ensure that your database meets the data reduction requirements of second normal form (2NF).

08/19/01 - Database Normalization: First Normal Form
Learn how to ensure that your database meets the fundamental requirements of first normal form (1NF).

08/05/01 - Database Normalization Basics
Database normalization can save storage space and ensure the consistency of your data. Learn the basics in this introductory article.

07/22/01 - Deleting Data from SQL Tables
The SQL DELETE command allows the removal of some or all of the data stored in a relational database table.

07/08/01 - Oracle 8i Security Vulnerabilities
Security researchers recently announced the discovery of two flaws in Oracle 8i. Find out how to protect your system.

07/01/01 - Summarizing Data with CUBE and ROLLUP
SQL's CUBE and ROLLUP commands allow for the efficient summarization of data. 

06/24/01 - Oracle Restructures Pricing
In an effort to compete with Microsoft and IBM, Oracle recently annouced drastic changes in their pricing structure. Get the details!

06/17/01 - SQL Server 2000 SP1 Released
Microsoft recently released SQL Server 2000 SP1.  Do you need this update?  Read the details here!

06/04/01 - Who Leads the RDBMS Pack?
According to most sources, Microsoft is rapidly gaining market share in the RDBMS arena. Have they finally surpassed Oracle? Read the latest results!

05/27/01 - Adding Splash Screens to Access
Splash screens add a custom flair to your Access database projects.  Learn how to spice up your databases in this step-by-step tutorial. 

05/20/01 - Choosing a Database: Server Databases
Does your organization require a server-based database like Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server? Join us as we explore the world of these high-performance systems.

05/13/01 - Choosing a Database: Desktop Databases
Is a DBMS like Microsoft Access, FoxPro, FileMaker Pro or Lotus Approach sufficient for your needs? Find out as we explore the world of desktop databases.

05/06/01 - Choosing a Database: Defining Your Requirements
In the first installment of our database selection guide, we walk you through the process of defining the requirements for your database platform.

04/29/01 - SOUNDEX String Comparison
Can a filing system from the 1890s assist you with string comparison in modern databases? Read on!

04/22/01 - Stored Procedures in SQL Server
Stored procedures offer great performance, security and abstraction benefits to SQL Server developers.

04/15/01 - Database Easter Eggs
Developers have hidden surprise Easter eggs inside your database application. Discover hidden wonders in Access, SQL Server, Oracle and Filemaker!

04/08/01 - Two-Tier or n-Tier Databases?
Three-tier databases are taking the IT community by storm.  Learn the basics behind this technology and find out if it's right for you.

04/01/01 - Aggregate Functions in SQL
SQL provides several aggregate functions to assist with data summarization.  In this article we explore the usage of SUM, AVG, COUNT, MIN and MAX.

03/25/01 - Who Wants to be a Database Expert? II
Round one of the databases quiz left contestants clamoring for more.  Here's the second episode of this database knowledge challenge. 

03/18/01 - Creating Relationships in Access
Microsoft Access offers powerful relationship functionality.  This step-by-step illustrated tutorial walks you through the relationship creation process.

03/11/01 - SQL Server Disaster Recovery
There are numerous threats to your data -- disk corruption, natural disaster, human error and server failure, among others.  Is your disaster recovery plan sufficient to ensure your organization's interests are protected?

03/04/01 - Access Controls with SQL
Our databases contain information that is vital to the continued operations of our organizations.  In this article, your About.com Guide introduces the SQL commands used to control access to your database.

02/25/01 - Retrieving Data from Multiple Tables with SQL Joins
SQL join statements allow you to combine data from two or more tables in your query results. Learn how to leverage this powerful technology to supercharge your database queries.

02/18/01 - Retrieving Data with SQL Queries
Learn to retrieve information from your database with the SQL SELECT statement. This tutorial provides a thorough introduction to the basics of database queries.

02/11/01 - Creating Databases and Tables in SQL
Just getting started with the Structured Query Language?  This tutorial walks you through the process of creating tables and databases in SQL databases.

02/04/01 - SQL Fundamentals
The Structured Query Language provides the foundation for all relational database systems.  Join us as we explore the fundamental concepts behind this powerful language.

01/28/01 - Creating Data Access Pages
Data Access Pages provide Microsoft Access 2000 users with a powerful tool for viewing and manipulating database information through the web.  This step-by-step tutorial walks you through the creation of a data access page.

01/21/01 - Starting a Career in Databases
Seeking a career change?  Do you think that database technology might be the field for you?  Find out if you have what it takes to find employment in this rapidly growing field.

01/14/01 - Creating Dynamic Web Pages with Microsoft Access
Do your web users need real-time access to the information contained within your database?  Server-generated HTML might be just the solution you need.

01/08/01 - Publishing Access Data to the Web
Looking to share your Microsoft Access database with the world?  Learn to publish reports to the web in this step-by-step tutorial.

12/31/00 - Converting your Spreadsheet to a Database
Do you have an unwieldy Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that you'd like to convert to an Access database?  Let's walk through the process together, step-by-step. 

12/24/00 - Microsoft Access Reports Tutorial
Would you like to create professional-looking reports from your Microsoft Access database with the click of a mouse?  Follow along as we walk through the simple process of designing a reusable report.

12/15/00 - Database Insecurity: Are you Safe?
Recent attacks on e-commerce database servers highlight the threat posed by insecure databases. Read the details of one recent attack and learn how to avoid the same blunders.

12/10/00 - Creating a Microsoft Access Form
Forms offer a quick and easy way to offer a graphical data environment to users of your database.  Follow along as your About.com Guide to Databases creates a simple form in Microsoft Access.

12/03/00 - Microsoft Access Fundamentals
Not sure if your organization needs a database?  Your About.com Guide to Databases provides an overview of database concepts as well as the fundamental components of Microsoft Access.

11/03/00 - Modifying a Query in Microsoft Access
Learn how to apply advanced techniques to refine your database queries.  Your About.com Guide to Databases provides an introduction to adding and removing fields, adding query criteria and sorting your results.

10/30/00 - Creating a Simple Query in Microsoft Access
Microsoft Access offers a powerful query function that allows you to extract information from your database.  In this tutorial your About.com Guide to Databases walks you through the creation of a simple query.

10/14/00 - SQL Server 2000 Hits the Street
Microsoft recently released the latest version of their database server.  What new features does it contain?  How does it stack up against the competition?  Your About.com Guide to Databases answers these questions and more!

10/07/00 - Data Mining: An Introduction
An introductory look at the data mining/knowledge discovery field from your Databases Guide. You'll find an introduction to the terms and techniques unique to machine learning and, as always, the best links on the Net!

09/30/00 - Database Servers Take the Security Test!
If you're like most database administrators, you have at least a rudimentary understanding of the security measures offered by your DBMS.  How reliable are these measures?  Read what the National Security Agency has to say.