SOFTWARE

Optiplex Resource

Uses and Benefits of Client/Server Database Management Systems

All organizations maintain and use data for day-to-day business operations. A database management system is the software that is used to store data, maintain those data, and provide easy access to stored data. It allows organizations to store data in a central location using a standard format.

Two Basic Categories

Besides looking at the model used to store the data, Database Management Systems can be divided into two basic categories: personal databases and client/server databases. Many of the same concepts apply to both DBMS categories. The differences lie largely in the amount of data that can be stored, the number of concurrent users supported, networking capabilities, and the level of data security provided.

Personal database management systems like Microsoft Access work best in single-user environments. The ideal environment is one user updating and reporting on the data from one PC. Although personal database management systems can be networked and shared, the general rule-of-thumb is that there should be no more than ten concurrent users. If security, network traffic, or the ability to recover from system failures is important, a client/server DBMS would be a better choice.

Client/Server Database Management Systems

Client/server DBMS's are designed to support multiple users in a networked environment. Powerful servers store and process large quantities of organizational data, while client PCs can request data from the server and then query, update, and report on it locally. A typical client/server application has a front end like Microsoft Access that runs on the local client workstation and a back end like Microsoft SQL Server that runs on the server. In these implementations, the front end provides the local user interface on a PC, while the back end has the power to store and process data from multiple users on a network server.

How it Works

For instance, the client (you at your PC) would request a listing of August computer sales. The server database holds the information for all organizational sales and must run a query to retrieve August computer sales, which it then passes to the requesting client. You now have a local copy of August computer sales that you can use your local client software to manipulate.

Depending on the application, you might make changes to the local data and then the client could send updates to the servers that are then applied to the organizational database.

Client/ server applications are cost effective and scalable. They can also take advantage of common PC software like Microsoft Access on the client, making them easy for users to learn and use.

Data are a valuable organizational resource. Good data and information retrieval technology can improve the organization’s ability to compete in an industry, deliver products to consumers, and evaluate opportunities. The loss or contamination of an organization’s data can contribute to failure.

A good management system provides users with facilities to maintain stored data, tools to create screens used to view and update data, report generation capabilities, query services to obtain fast answers to questions about the data, and common interfaces to share data. On the down side, shared data are never as secure as centralized data stored on a mainframe.

About the Author

ITC Sales is a leading supplier of Dell and HP laptops such as the Dell Mini 9 and Dell XPS Laptops. Check out the ITC Sales blog for the latest news from ITC and the computing world.

where can I download a resource CD for a DELL OptiPlex GX260?

Please don't state DELL.com. Please be specific

Hello Joe. I can't seem to locate an entire CD, but this information I hope can help support a reinstall of XP

The GX260 needs four external resources.
1. Chipset Drivers.
2. Analog Soundmax drivers
3. Intel Pro 1000 LOM drivers.
4. Intel Video Drivers

INF Update Utility [INFINST.EXE] (1541KB) 6.3.0.1007 12/16/2004
This utility installs INF files that inform the operating system how to properly configure the chipset for specific functionality such as USB and AGP.

ftp://aiedownload.intel.com/df-support/8178/eng/infinst_enu.exe

OS:Windows Server* 2003, Windows* 2000, Windows* 98 SE, Windows* Me, Windows* XP Home Edition, Windows* XP Professional

Analog Devices ADI 198x Integrated Audio, Driver, Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows XP, Multi Language, Dimension 4500S, OptiPlex GX260, v. 5.12.01.3503, A01
Release Date: 05/20/2002
ftp://ftp.us.dell.com/audio/R41863.EXE

Network: Intel 10/100 LOM, Driver, Windows 2000, Windows XP, English, Multi System, v.6.1.3.10, A01
Release Date: 10/10/2002
ftp://ftp.us.dell.com/network/R48947.EXE

Some use 3COM though
Network: 3Com 3C905C-TXM Ethernet Adaptor , Driver,
ftp://ftp.us.dell.com/network/R49958.EXE

Video: Intel 845 G/GL Integrated Video, Driver, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Multi Language, Multi System, v. 6.13.01.3162, A02
ftp://ftp.us.dell.com/video/11-2KA02.EXE

Hope this helps...

TYT - Extended Clip May 24, 2011