This course has provided a general overview of Access, but there are many other database systems. The three most widely used are MySql, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle.

MySql is free for anyone to download and use. It also runs on almost every type of computer and operating system, making it very attractive to people with limited budgets. Unfortunately, it does not have strong report features. To use MySql you will have to download and run the server on your own computer or use a hosting provider. Two relatively good free ones are http://www.db4free.net  and http://www.freesql.org.

Microsoft SQL Server is quite expensive, but there is a free version available. It runs only on Windows machines, but it integrates very well with other Microsoft software. Also, it has extensive reporting features, and in some instances is faster than MySql. Like MySql, to use it you need to download and install thew server on your own computer. It is quite expensive, but Microsoft has a 180 day trial and a free version called SQL Server Express.

Oracle is aimed at enterprise clients, meaning large companies with large IT budgets. It is extremely expensive and can be difficult to use and administer. However, many large companies use it because of the excellent support options, reliability, and performance.

All of these databases are controlled with a simple language called SQL (Structured Query Language). Two good introductions are at W3C Schools and Tizag. Although the all database systems use a slightly different dialect of SQL, most SQL commands work the same way in all of them.