Databases : Where to start? (1 Viewer)

[F4ST LOVE]

Hi all

I would like a develop a career in databases mainly becuase there
seems to be soo much competition in I.T theses days. My previous
experience is Supporting Microsoft based system (Helpdesk).
My company didnt beleive in training staff so I didn't end up with
any MCP \ MCSE.

Im currenly working doing Admin work. Eventually I'd like to
make a move back in I.T and would like advice on how to do
structure private study after work. Where do I start?

At home I am using Microsoft Windows XP & Office 2000.
So I guess I could make a start on Access 2000.

Where do I start? pls advise as I would like to aim to
get at least 1 MCP by summer.

What books do i need?
And which web sites should i goto for step by step tutorials?

And if things really get good later in the year, then I'll look at SQL.

pls advice,
Yasmin

 

[mark curtis]

If you really want a career in databases then I would advise you to learn SQL from the start. For supporting Microsoft then there are MCP's for MS Office or even Access.

 

[F4ST LOVE]

Hi Mark

Thanks for your advice.
With SQL I would need to change my PC O/S to Server 2000 &
then add sql server on top of that.
Can I not get away with Professional 2000 Home?

If I practice sql 2 hrs a day?
how long do you think it will take me to be able to take an mcp?

And what other programs\books would I need?
Im sure I'll need sql data sets to practice on.

I just though taking the Access route might be able to lay some
good foundation to for going onto sql and get into a job real
quick since sql will take longer.

Cya,
Yasmin

 

[WayneRyan]

Yasmin,

This thread covers some Access books ...

http://www.access-programmers.co.uk...?s=&threadid=53272&highlight=access+and+books

Also a good resource is to look at Northwind and the sample
Dbs that come with Access. The Microsoft site also has
many other downloads.

There also many third-party sites that have examples based
on certain topics. If you read posts here you will find links
to them.

You can learn SQL with Access. If you right-click on any
query in your sample dbs, you can look at the SQL that
comprises the query.

I couldn't guess as to how long it takes to learn, each person is
different.

Good luck and happy learning,
Wayne

 

[Cosmos75]

Yasmin,

Some threads on Access Certification for your information. Sounds like you are heading towards getting an MCDBA (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator) certification.

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcdba/default.asp

Access Certification - MOUS MCDBA
http://www.access-programmers.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39225&highlight=Certification

Why isnt there a cert for Access Developers?
http://www.access-programmers.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53491&highlight=Certification

I just thought taking the Access route might be able to lay some good foundation to for going onto sql and get into a job real quick since sql will take longer.

Do you know of any "Access" jobs? I'd like to know if you find any Access jobs or work.

I've seen some threads where it has been recommended that doing some Access work for charitable organizations is a good way to add to your resume, e.g. building a donations database or the like.

As for help with Access, you probably already know that this is a GREAT site for help with that.

Good luck with the career change!

 

[F4ST LOVE]

Hi Cosmos

Thank you soo much for your links, I'll check them out and refer
back to them when I need to! It looks like I'll be visiting the MS
one often. The MCDBA seems like such huge mountain to climb
I bet the individual mcp's expire before i complete the whole thing!!

Ive seen a few Access jobs about in the UK but they are categorised
under Administration work rather than Technical, so you may find
mostly secretaries doing Access work. It pay about quite good,
abt the same as 2nd\3rd line technical support.

Is there a similar web site to this that deal with sql in a BIG way
for beginners and experienced alike?

Cya,
Yasmin

 

[Cosmos75]

Haven't checked these out but here are some links I found on Yahoo.

http://www.sqlcourse.com/

http://www.w3schools.com/sql/default.asp

http://sqlzoo.net/

http://www.sql.org/

Or were you trying to find more about SQL Server?

 

[F4ST LOVE]

Haven't checked these out but here are some links I found on Yahoo.

Or were you trying to find more about SQL Server?

Hi Cosmos

I'll check those out too!
At this stage any link would do, as I plan to become a "Sponge" and
soak up as much as i can. sql\sql server access etc etc

Cheers,
Yasmin

 

[F4ST LOVE]

If you really want a career in databases then I would advise you to learn SQL from the start. For supporting Microsoft then there are MCP's for MS Office or even Access.

Hi Mark

Thanks for your advice, I guess its going to have to be the
long dark road studying sql for me!
Id need to install Windows 2000, Windows 2000 Server and
SQL server. Do you have any idea how much hard disk space
i need?

Cheers,
Yasmin

 

[F4ST LOVE]

Hi Wayne

Thanks for the link and advice.
Once I have installed the software on my creaky old PC
I'll then decide on books. I'll have to think carefully as these
books cost a fortune!!!

Cya,
Yasmin

You can learn SQL with Access. If you right-click on any
query in your sample dbs, you can look at the SQL that
comprises the query.

I couldn't guess as to how long it takes to learn, each person is
different.

Good luck and happy learning,
Wayne

 

[jonathon]

As far as SQL server is concerned, both MSDE 2000 (free download from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...d1-a0bc-479f-bafa-e4b278eb9147&DisplayLang=en) and SQL Server 2000 Developer edition (about £40 e.g. http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004Y7QX/ref=sr_aps_software_1_1/202-4517343-0923052) will AIUI work with Windows XP.

 

[The_Doc_Man]

I'm going to take another direction on this one.

MS certification is a racket that too many people have bought into. Your surmise that they expire before you can finish is a very good key to understanding the reality of the innumerable MS courses. Bill Gates puts them out as a way to get money. Remember, he's looking for a business model that generates TONS of income. If it is impossible for you to keep current because the classes expire before you can finish the program, that should tell you something incredibly important.

There IS no easy solution to what you want, but the direction you should choose isn't based on MS classes per se. If you are near any kind of community college, inquire as to their adult extension or outreach programs. Take a GENERIC database course as a college credit. Use Access as your at-home paradigm for learning, but don't rely on MS for anything you can get generically elsewhere. Community college courses can also be cheaper than the high-intensity courses that MS offers. College credits apply to non-MS shops, too!

I say this because lots of people use xxx for windows, where xxx is NOT Access. It might be ORACLE or DB2 or PARADOX or FOCUS or some other product. It might be SQL Server. It might be MySQL. What I think you want (whether you realize it or not) is to learn the basics, not to learn the MS version of what will turn out to be a very different reality once you hit the job market.

People look for the quick solution to learning, but there isn't any. Learning takes time because you have to explore the new thoughts, examine the ideas from all sides, and file them away in your own personal file cabinet of knowledge. The long approach is needed because you need the time to put these ideas in your long-term memory. A fast course or two won't do it.

Another issue is that going about it this way tells hiring managers something. It tells them the kind of person you are, the kind of investment you are willing to make in yourself. If you like quick fixes, they will know that you are not necessarily ready to commit yourself to their business for the long haul. Which means you will not stick around for promotions because you will take a more mercenary approach. The first time something else better comes along, it is hasta la vista, baby.

Think about it. Do as you feel you must. Take my input as one man's opinion. But I will add that this opinion is based on nearly 30 years in the computer profession and over 35 years of working with computers of various types, from old IBM 1620s to the latest, greatest Intel AND non-Intel boxes.

 

[F4ST LOVE]

Think about it. Do as you feel you must. Take my input as one man's opinion. But I will add that this opinion is based on nearly 30 years in the computer profession and over 35 years of working with computers of various types, from old IBM 1620s to the latest, greatest Intel AND non-Intel boxes.

Respect 2u!

Thank you for your advice. I know that ultimately, if I want to
get into Databases then I need to know it from scratch.
Its just that I need a job pretty bad and need to find the fast
route in and take it from there however long it takes me to
be confident with database technology and the like...


Cheers.

 

[Cosmos75]

Hi Wayne

Thanks for the link and advice.
Once I have installed the software on my creaky old PC
I'll then decide on books. I'll have to think carefully as these
books cost a fortune!!!

Just a general suggestion to all. Check out Amazon.com (or Amazon.co.uk??) and see if anyone is selling second-hand books or slightly used books (some are even brand new). You can find some really good deals, but they may be a bit out-dated.