Re: applications

From: Andrew L. Gould (algould_at_datawok.com)
Date: 09/03/03

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    To: Doug Love <dlove@umuc.edu>, freebsd-questions@FreeBSD.ORG
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 12:41:02 -0500

    On Wednesday 03 September 2003 11:01 am, Doug Love wrote:
    > A friend recommends your OS over Linux for my home system.
    > I've taken a 2 day Linux Admin course, and know just about that much.
    > I don't see a quick answer on your webpages to my questions.
    > Where can I find
    > Fortran
    > Basic
    > A Database similar to Access

    There are no products similar to MS Access. MS Access is a **desktop**
    database with good connectivity and some **nifty** RAD/GUI tools. Even with
    Codeweaver's CrossOffice 2.0, however, MS Access has memory problems running
    on Linux. (This is from personal experience.)

    Database servers include PostgreSQL and MySQL (there are others). If you tend
    to push your hardware limits, I recommend PostgreSQL on FreeBSD over either
    database on Linux. (I've tried both databases on Linux and FreeBSD on the
    same hardware. Your Mileage May Vary.) Privilege administration is easier
    in MySQL since it allows the use of wildcards in place of database and table
    names. MySQL, however, does not have a boolean (true/false, yes/no) data
    type.

    ODBC drivers are available for both PostgreSQL and MySQL. Using MS Access as
    a GUI, client to PostgreSQL or MySQL works very well for applications and
    data analysis; but is not a good choice for database server administration.

    > Spreadsheets

    Spread*** programs include gnumeric, OpenOffice and Kspread.

    > Pkzip

    There are various compression utilities. I actually prefer to use gzip on the
    command line in both FreeBSD and Windows. There is also a GUI gzip for
    Windows: wingz.

    >
    > I hear a lot about the system being a server, but all I need to do is
    > browse the web and use email similar to Netscape. How easy is it to set
    > up?

    Install a desktop and run Mozilla, which is at the core of Netscape. It will
    look very familiar. It includes the browser, email client, etc.

    Be Advised: There is a Supply-Side Economics aspect to FreeBSD. You may find
    that the possibilities increase your "needs". ;-)

    >
    > --
    > Douglas L. Love, Database Administrator dlove@umuc.edu
    > UMUC Faculty Recruitment
    > SFSC Room 3271F Phone: 301 985 7071
    > 3501 University Blvd. East Fax: 301 985 7075
    > Adelphi, MD 20783

    Have fun,

    Andrew Gould

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