Using Technology

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Software to manage relational databases is a key component in many corporate IS departments. Database software like Microsoft Access and Oracle can be money well spent when fast, reliable information retrieval is a must. But did you know that advanced database management software can be obtained for free? Visit our Web site at http://www.mhhe.com/oleary to connect to a site that features free database software. Read about this software, and then answer the following questions in a one-page paper: (a) what is MySQL? What is its basic functionality? (b) How does MySQL compare to commercial software like Microsoft Access in terms of performance? (c) What support is available to users of MySQL? How is it provided? (d) Would you recommend MySQL as an IT solution? Why or why not?

www.mysql.com

As an Internet user, you have access to many interesting and informative databases via the Web. Locate at least five online databases that contain information that is interesting to you by conducting a Web search using the keywords"online database." Conduct a query of each database, and then answer the following questions in a one-page paper: (a) Give the URL and a brief description of each online database you reviewed. (b) What features are common to online databases? (c) Which provided the most relevant or interesting information? Will you use this site again? Why or why not?