MS Access as database

We were p开发者_Python百科lanning to develop a desktop application with MS Access as DB. But we have certain doubts ? 1. When we install this application after development in client machine does it require MS Acess ? 2. If Yes, do they need to buy licence of MS Access from Microsoft or is it free ? 3. How can we conduct a check while installing the software if MS Access on the system ? If not how can we install MS Access also along with our application ?

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In your comments to Haz and duffymo, you indicated your intention is to store "huge size images" in the database. That is not a best practice with MS Access. Due to the way images are stored, the db file size will increase by more than the size of the image files. Starting with Access 2007, there is an improved storage method which reduces that bloat, but it is still an issue. Furthermore this could be a deal-breaker, because the absolute hard-wired file size limit for an Access db file is 2 GB ... your database might not be able to accommodate enough huge images to meet your needs.

I'm unclear about your concern over the need to install Access itself. With recent (since Win 2000) 32-bit Windows versions, the components required to use an Access db file are included as part of the operating system. If you're dealing with 64 bit Windows, you may need to get the 2007 Office System Driver: Data Connectivity Components

Installing Access should only be required if your application uses Access for more than just data storage. An application which uses Access as the front-end client (with Access forms, reports, etc.) would require some form of Access to be installed, but it needn't be the full-blown version. You could design your application for the Access runtime version, which is free of cost starting with Access 2007:

1. Access 2007 Download: Access Runtime
2. Microsoft Access 2010 Runtime

However, if you're using something else (e.g. Dot.Net) for your application front-end, you wouldn't need any form of Access installed.

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Never ever store large images in an access data base. A big database is a slow database. Use vba to check and create file paths and store the images outside of the database. Hit me up for the code to do that

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MS Access is often the cheapest way to develop a distributed database application and frankly you should have your client buy a licenses it the tool meets your requirements. I think building a desktop application from scratch is often ridiculous when you'll probably spend well over $100 of your time building features that come out of the box with MS Access. Unless you're doing this work for free, buying software or software components to help speed up delivery is always a good idea.

One caveat. Access Db files are limited to 2gb. If you have to store data that exceeds this, you'll either need to connect the Access database to a larger database or create a complex partitioning strategy.

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It depends on how your software works. Do you have a program that calls the Access DB, or is your program implemented using access forms?

If your just using Access as a DB

1. No, you just require the JET runtime
2. You can find the JET runtime on the microsoft site
3. It depends on what installer package you are using. You can include the MDAC MSI as a dependency if your using a typical .NET Installer.

If your using Access for the DB and the program

1. Yes
2. Yes they need to buy it. Just like you needed to buy it to develop your database. No it's not free
3. If Access is not on their computer, they will need to purchase it, then insert the CD and complete the installation.