ORA-12203 Error

[atom6402]

I am using Oracle for the first time.I installed Oracle SQL*PLUS ver 8.As I had to learn this for an exam. But I am facing the following error after I enter it with the system default scott/tiger ...

"ORA-12203: TNS:unable to connect to destination"

Sorry ,if this question is already asked as I searched, but didnt get.
Thanks in advance

[debasisdas]

Check if the oracle service and listener services are up and running.

Also ensure that the account is unlocked and has permission to connect to he database.

[atom6402]

What does "Check if the oracle service and listener services are up and running." mean ???

[debasisdas]

there will be 2 services running in the server on which oracle is installed.

1. for oracle database service.
2. for oracle listener .

[atom6402]

I have installed on my PC itself to learn it ,so the server what your saying is localhost for me ,so what do I do to check and make those services running .

[debasisdas]

check in services on windows machine .

[atom6402]

I could see 4 oracle services namely :
OracleClientCache80..........Started..........Automatic
OracleServiceORCL..........Started..........Automatic
OracleStart ORCL
OracleTNSListener80..........Started..........Automatic

What should I do now ?

[debasisdas]

Now the services are running.

Ensure that the account is unlocked and has permission to connect to the database.

[jwenting]

and buy a book "beginning Oracle administration" or something like that...

[atom6402]

How do you ensure that the account is unlocked and that it has permission to connect to the database ???

I am desperate to start it so....asking so many questions
Sorry

[debasisdas]

Do you have access to SYS or SYSTEM database account ?

Login from that and check.