So I used to know a bit of VB6 during the one year of college I took. I was unable to make it to class for all the database lectures (all the good stuff), though. I now have a copy of VB.net and a new registration on this forum I found by chance on google 5 minutes ago (wonderful site by the way). I work in a warehouse that stores books and Audio/Visual material. I want to make my life easier, while at the same time learn how to program with VB.net, by creating an inventory program to use at this warehouse.

I understand the creation of such a program will be heavy with database work. I do not have access to Microsoft Access, and I don't have much money to spend on a comparable program. I was wondering what the best route to take would be if I need an inexpensive/free database program to coincide with my program, as well as tutorials for a newcomer to VB.net.

I plan on consulting this forum throughout the duration of this program's production (if that's alright with you). Right now I just want to make sure I start with a good foundation. I'd appreciate any and all suggestions. Thank you!

Free database = MySQL? But access IS the easiest to use with VB.NET IMHO. Access 2007 is shit btw)

For a good book rto go from VB6 to .NET whoch covers some very basic DB stuff get "Visual Basic 2005 Step By Step" By Michael Halvorson of Microsoft Press. Highly reccomend.

I would consider using Microsoft SQL Express (A FREE Version of SQL Server)

I use it for my Home/Development databases

You will need to download
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (The Database)
and
SQL Server Management Studio Express (The Database Viewer)
Which are FREE from the Microsoft website

Awesome! Both of you left me very relevant and helpful responses. Thank you! I will get Halvorson's book and it's great to know MS offers free support for SQL databases. This is a great start! Will let you know when I have more questions.

You can only use SQL Express for a limited amount of clients i think (3?)

And yeah, VB 2005 Step By Step is an awesome book. Once you get to grips with .NET then you may also be inrerested in a book in the same series called ADO.NET which is everything you need to know about databases

I will be conducting this project on my own time and my own dime. I want to throw the least amount of money into it as possible. Eventually, if I succeed in my goals for the program, I will use it as a prototype for a proposal. I will suggest for our IT guy to create a similar program and to integrate it within our network. If they turn that down, at least I'll have something to help me keep track. Right now, inventory is conducted per my boss' request, and the only way I can keep track is on paper. The least amount of random papers I have to keep track of, the better. I'm the only one in the warehouse, so I'm pretty much always busy.

I bought the book. I skimmed through it and it looks very comprehensive and easy to read; exactly what I was looking for. Would've started yesterday but I came home and my buddy was on WoWcrack on my computer. I didn't have the heart to kick him off 'cause he was running my rogue through the Deadmines.

Today, if he's on my computer when I get home, he's getting the boot. I can't wait to start programming again. It's been too long.

later it gets into an exampke database for a (gym?) built in access. Its a good intro to the server explorer and other database tools

2 things to be aware of though. I dont think the express version has the dataform wizard and you will need visual web developer express to the web (asp.net) chapter

I noticed when I installed Visual Studio yesterday, it said something about installing a SQL server or something like that. I'm not sure if it's only for mobile development or whatnot. I need to look into the actual product more.

Yesterday I was just getting re-acquainted with the whole system, as well as finding new things about VB 2005 that weren't in VB6.

One thing I never understood is "Rnd()". I understand we put "Randomize" in the Form Load function to prevent subsequent, identical random numbers. I also understand we use Int(Rnd() *10) to generate a random number but I never fully understood why.

I reaaaaly need to brush up on some basics before I even think about working on the databases.

Rnd generates a decimal value between 0 and 1 so you times it by 10 to make it between 1 and 10 , if you know what i mean

You can install SQL express / MSDN libary later through add/remove programs