How do I create a free server-side database to be accessed via Windows forms and/or browser?
- by NoCatharsis
I have no formal education in databasing or programming, but I've learned enough SQL, C++, and C# to at least get started setting up a small database on my company's server.
Using MS SQL Server 2008 R2, I have created the database and set up columns with proper data types. However, there seems to be a lot of tweaks and details that are way over my head.
Since I would like these data to be accessible to the other 7 or 8 people in my office (preferably via web browser), I'm wondering whether this is the best setup for my situation.
The other option I've read about is a LAMPP server, which I assume is the competing free option to Microsoft's Express packages. I know nothing of LAMP servers except from the articles I've read on how to set them up (and I believe I even saw a detailed tutorial somewhere).
To summarize, my question is this: Which of these (or any other) server setups would best suit my purposes, keeping in mind that I'm a true novice (but willing to learn), and would like to keep it free until I get more experience?