In a previous message, peter Nikolic
The whole point of the excersie is quite simple (dam line wrap u/s again) you start an application you enter read alter the data you leave the application you dont start the database engine then start the app them load the Db then do your task ..
If you want to use a relational database system, your best bet is still probably Rekall. You set mysql (or whatever) to run at boot time and then just launch Rekall when you want access to the database. It opens with a default form, you perform your task and quit. Very simple, just as you want. You don't need to understand SQL or anything like that. It even lets you create macros very simply to automate data entry etc. There are hard ways to do the same thing, but this is the easy way. If you don't need relational database support, then use OOo as Fred suggested. The OOo site gives instructions on how to get it working. It's not completely trivial (they really need to improve this IMO) but it should work OK.
Now i have just tried Xbase with Rekall ye gads what a total bummer things i dont want to know exist and with out them you get nowhere .
Don't use xbase, use mysql. IME, it just works. Follow the (very simple) instructions for creating your database (i.e. create a table, create rows, create forms, populate database). The only vaguely technical thing you need to know is what type of data you are going to enter into each field, but every DBMS on the planet requires you to define that. You can even avoid forms if a simple table entry mode works for you. John -- John Pettigrew Headstrong Games john@headstrong-games.co.uk Fun : Strategy : Price http://www.headstrong-games.co.uk/ Board games that won't break the bank Fields of Valour: 2 Norse clans battle on one of 3 different boards