tech9 said:Man seriously I'm just in serious need of software that I can just play around with and learn from.
I'm taking a database class and Access has been recommended for a novice like myself. Also I've never worked with a photoshop program and just want to play around with it and learn it. As far as the MS Vis Studio 6 it looks interesting and I just want to try it out.
props to folks who have recommended MSO '07 with the software bundled but I would rather try out '03 Access or if there are other database programs that anyone can recommend in my position, I'd appreciate it.
Access was great as a database learning tool until Microsoft came out with SQL Server Express Edition which is free on their website. Microsoft also has Visual Studio Express which you can use as your programming environment. If you don't already know how to program Access and don't have to do it for work, I wouldn't bother. Although Access is used for small databases in the real world. You might as well jump into SQL Server with the Express Edition since you are a novice. Learning SQL is where the fun and potential windfall is.
Also, Visual Studio 6 doesn't support C# (which I would suggest as a starting language). Learn C# then it will be easier to understand C++, Java, and similar languages. I prefer C# over VB.NET for syntax reasons only. I use both at work. VB only when I'm forced to.
If you don't want to use the free Microsoft newer editions, let me know and I'll get VS v6 uploaded for you this weekend (or sooner). I have it right here on my desk.